The idea of human dignity is central to any reflection on the nature of human worth, and has become a key concept in international and national law, in medical ethics, and in much philosophical and political theory. However, the idea is a complex one that also takes on many different forms. This collection explores the idea of human dignity as it arises within these many different domains, opening up the possibility of a multidisciplinary conversation that illuminates the concept itself, as well as the idea of the human to which it stands in an essential relation. The book is not only an intriguing and stimulating exploration of human dignity from a range of perspectives, but also provides an important resource for those who wish to take the exploration further.

"The idea of human dignity is central to any reflection on the nature of human worth, and has become a key concept in international and national law, in medical ethics, and in much philosophical and political theory. However, the idea is a complex one that also takes on many different forms. This collection explores the idea of human dignity as it arises within these many different domains, opening up the possibility of a multidisciplinary conversation that illuminates the concept itself, as well as the idea of the human to which it stands in an essential relation. The book is not only an intriguing and stimulating exploration of human dignity from a range of perspectives, but also provides an important resource for those who wish to take the exploration further. TOC:Foreword - The Honourable William Cox AC RFD ED, Governor of Tasmania.Introduction to a Conversation. I. The Concept of Human Dignity. II. Human Dignity in Context. Bibliography."

The Concept of Human Dignity.- to a Conversation.- Human Dignity and Human Worth.- Human Dignity and Human Being.- On Human Dignity: Fragments of an Exploration.- Two Conceptions of Dignity: Honour and Self-Determination.- Human Dignity and Charity.- Human Dignity: Functions and Meanings.- A Brief History of Human Dignity: Idea and Application.- Human Dignity in Context.- A Journey Towards Understanding: True and False Dignity.- The Question of Dignity: Doubts and Loves and a Whisper from Where the Ruined House Once Stood.- Religion and Dignity: Assent and Dissent.- Giving the Past Its Dignity.- Dignity and Indignity.- Human Dignity and the Law.- On the International Legal Aspects of Human Dignity.- Doing Justice to Dignity in the Criminal Law.- Human Dignity: The New Phase in International Law.- Dignity and Health.- Human Dignity: The Perspective of a Gynaecological Oncologist.- The Social Origins of Dignity in Medical Care at the End of Life.- Dying with Dignity: The Story Reveals Its Meaning.