Reclaiming human dignity: a critical review of contemporary theories in light of ontological foundations

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Rego, F (Author) Other; Barbas, S (Author) FMUP; Frantz, P (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: MEDICINE HEALTH CARE AND PHILOSOPHY

ISSN: 1386-7423

Publisher: Springer

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-019-S37

DOI: 10.1007/s11019-025-10290-7

Abstract (EN): Contemporary healthcare ethics often invokes the concept of human dignity as a normative cornerstone. Yet beneath this apparent consensus lies a fragmentation of meaning: dignity is variably interpreted as autonomy, capacity, recognition, or social construction-with little agreement on its essential content or justification. This conceptual disarray weakens the ethical coherence of bioethical decision-making and obscures the true nature of the human person. This article offers a critical review of the predominant contemporary theories of human dignity, including recognition-based approaches, capabilities theory, procedural pragmatism, and postmodern critiques. We expose the internal tensions and philosophical fragilities of each, especially when applied to medical practice. In contrast, we defend an ontologically grounded understanding of dignity-one that recognizes the human being as a unified, rational, embodied substance possessing intrinsic worth by virtue of being. By recovering this ontological foundation, we argue for a more coherent, universal, and morally resilient framework for healthcare ethics-one capable of upholding the inviolability of the person beyond shifting cultural, legal, or utilitarian paradigms.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7