Human Dignity

Human dignity is the recognition that human beings possess a special value intrinsic to their humanity and as such are worthy of respect simply because they are human beings. This concept, once foundational to ethical reflection in such diverse areas of engagement as social ethics and human rights on to the clinical bedside and bioethics, has come under increasing criticism. As part of our institutional identity as a Christian bioethics center, The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity is firmly committed to the belief that human dignity is an inherent quality in all human beings in virtue of our having been created in the image of God. Thus every human being, regardless of age, ability, status, gender, ethnicity, etc., is to be treated with respect. Furthermore, we believe that how one understands this concept affects how one views and engages bioethical issues across the entire life span. The articles in this section explore this key concept in both its foundational development and its application to the broader concerns of bioethics.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

• CBHD Research Staff, “Human Dignity: The Fundamental Concept in Bioethics”
• Susan Haack, “Human Dignity: A Brief Overview”
• Michael Sleasman, “Bioethics Past, Present, and Future: Important Signposts in Human Dignity” (An overview of bioethics and the breadth of issues it encompasses)
• Andrew Fergusson and Matthew Eppinette, “Human Dignity: Still Defying Devaluation”
• Susan Haack, “Christian Explorations in the Concept of Human Dignity”
• David Gushee, “The Sanctity of Life”