Human dignity and the physician’s conscience

Excerpt

Human dignity is a term with multiple interpretations. Often it is used in connection with self-determination by viewing autonomy as an expression of dignity [4]. However, human dignity is not only seen as a human capability but also as the essence of man, i.e., this “dowry”-dignity [2] is inherent in all human beings just because they are human beings. Whereas the first mentioned “contingent” dignity can be lost by disease, the latter inherent dignity exists at least as long as the human being lives. Contingent dignity stands at the side of the inherent dignity. Inherent dignity—besides the respect for the self-determination of the patient—as dignity of the ill in need of help guides the actions of the physician, i.e., his care for the patient as an expression of his respect for the ill human being in front of him. …