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[Advance directives in France. Ethical reflections].

Bulletin de la Societe des sciences medicales du Grand-Duche de Luxembourg·2008

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Human dignity: intrinsic or relative value?

Marie-Jo Thiel¹

¹Faculty of Catholic Theology, University of Strasbourg.

Journal International De Bioethique = International Journal of Bioethics

|April 2, 2011

Summary

Human dignity is an intrinsic value, not a relative one based on quality of life. Medical practice should view quality of life as a requirement of dignity, ensuring equal respect for all individuals.

Area of Science:

Bioethics
Medical Ethics
Human Rights

Background:

The concept of human dignity is debated as either intrinsic or relative, influenced by quality of life assessments.
Historical events and the rise of human rights have intensified focus on human dignity, particularly in bioethics.
Modern medicine often links human dignity to measurable quality of life, potentially leading to distinctions between 'viable' and 'non-viable' existences.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the relationship between human dignity and quality of life in medical practice.
To argue against using quality of life as a metric for human dignity.
To assert that human dignity is an intrinsic value that necessitates a certain quality of life.

Main Methods:

Philosophical analysis of the concepts of human dignity and quality of life.

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Ethical argumentation regarding the measurement of dignity.

Historical and bioethical contextualization of the debate.

Main Results:

Quality of life is relevant to medical practice but should not be used to measure individual dignity.
Using quality of life to measure dignity creates a dangerous division between 'worthy' and 'unworthy' lives.
Human dignity is an intrinsic value that demands equal respect for every person.

Conclusions:

Human dignity is an inherent, intrinsic value, not contingent on perceived quality of life.
Medical ethics must uphold human dignity as an absolute principle, distinct from quality of life assessments.
Recognizing dignity as intrinsic ensures equal respect and prevents societal stratification based on life quality.