An In-between Creature

R espect human dignity” is a common imperative in ethics, yet this imperative is filled with ambiguity. On the one hand, we say that strong paternalism violates the dignity of the patient. On the other hand, we say that nothing we do can ever deprive another person of their dignity. Can we have it both ways? We can if we follow Gilbert Meilaender’s core distinction between human dignity and personal dignity. Loss of control undermines human dignity, but it does not deprive one of personal dignity.

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