2018/02/01 by Sebastian Knell
paper · doi:10.1515/dzph-2018-0006
Abstract With reference to Joel Feinberg and Stephen Darwall, this paper develops a concept of human dignity which considers dignity as a fragile and vulnerable quality that can be lost and violated in specific situations. In contrast to holistic approaches to dignity, it requires the recognition of others as a source for a person’s normative authority about his or her life. Pre-forms of this concept are also relevant in the organisation of dementia care. In order to maintain the normative authority about the lives of dementia patients, care-givers are encouraged to respect their expressive actions and responses. Ignoring these expressions constitutes a violation of the dignity of dementia sufferers.