Description
Book SynopsisDignity is seen, commonly, as an ethical obligation owed to human persons. The dimensions of this obligation are subject to wide discussion and defy universal agreement. Dignity is seen, commonly, as an ethical obligation owed to human persons. Dignity as a Human Right? examines dignity within the prism of death, and more particularly, its humane and dignified management. Although there is no domestic or international right to die with dignity, within the right to life should, arguably, be a right to dignity and self-determination especially at its end-stage; for, a powerful interface exists between the right to human dignity and the very right to life, to love and humanity as well as compassion at its conclusion. Legislative efforts--nationally and internationally--have begun to recognize a right to die with dignity when a condition of medical futility exists. There are presently five states and the District of Columbia, together with a judicial interpretation from the Montana Supreme
Trade ReviewThe concept of dignity is a core one to lawyers and philosophers, yet it is often misunderstood and misapplied. In Dignity as a Human Right?, Professor George P. Smith, one of the world's greatest medical lawyers, clarifies the concept of dignity as a human right in an insightful, significant and powerful analysis. -- Jon Herring, University of Oxford
With this deep, nuanced, analytic dive into human dignity, Professor Smith draws on and, indeed, extends his prior influential and leading scholarly work in bioethics, its particular and various intersections with the law, and how it might inform vexingly complex and crucial end-of-life questions -- Michael Heise, Cornell Law School
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Challenges to the Notion of Dignity as a Human Right Chapter 2: The Origins and Historty of Human Dignity Chapter 3: The Indignities of Pain and of Suffering at the End-Of-Life Chapter 4: Dignity in Domestic and in International Context: Aspirations, Limited Successes, and the Legacy of Senator Bricker Chapter 5: Impleting or Impeding Dignity: Subsidiarity and Proportionality Chapter 6: Modern Formulations of Dignity: Clarifications and Calibrations Chapter 7: Advancing Global Frameworks Toward A New Social Order
