Conferring dignity in law and health care

This project aims to develop a new and more inclusive philosophical conception of dignity. It expects to generate an innovative alternative to the belief that dignity is inherent, which is exclusionary: not all human beings possess the relevant inherent traits. A conception of dignity as something conferred will be developed, and the case made that such dignity can and should be conferred on all human beings. The expected outcome is a new understanding of the importance of dignity in human rights law and in health services. The intended benefits are greater appreciation of the centrality of dignity to human rights, and concrete guidance for health care practitioners on how they can and should promote the dignity of all of their clients.