Is Human Life Special? (Paperback)

Goeran Collste

ISBN 10: 3906769267 / ISBN 13: 9783906769264

Published by Verlag Peter Lang, Pieterlen, 2002

About this Item

Paperback. The principle of human dignity has greatly influenced the Western moral tradition. It has, however, during the last few decades been questioned by a number of moral philosophers, many of them involved in applied ethics. The aim of this study is to examine different religious and philosophical views on whether human life is special and, if it is, in what respects. The book is divided into three main sections. The first section includes an examination of some important religious contributions from the past and the present. In the next section, the views of modern philosophers criticising the principle and of those defending it are examined. Finally, the meaning and relevance of the principle, when applied to certain moral problems in the modern world, are discussed. With reference to the discussion on priorities in health care it is argued that although the principle has a religious origin it may function as a universal moral principle in a modern pluralistic and secularised society. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9783906769264

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Is Human Life Special? (Paperback)
• Publisher: Verlag Peter Lang, Pieterlen
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3906769267
• ISBN 13: 9783906769264
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

The principle of human dignity has greatly influenced the Western moral tradition. It has, however, during the last few decades been questioned by a number of moral philosophers, many of them involved in applied ethics. The aim of this study is to examine different religious and philosophical views on whether human life is special and, if it is, in what respects. The book is divided into three main sections. The first section includes an examination of some important religious contributions from the past and the present. In the next section, the views of modern philosophers criticising the principle and of those defending it are examined. Finally, the meaning and relevance of the principle, when applied to certain moral problems in the modern world, are discussed. With reference to the discussion on priorities in health care it is argued that although the principle has a religious origin it may function as a universal moral principle in a modern pluralistic and secularised society.

About the Author

The Author: Göran Collste is doctor of theology and professor of applied ethics at Linköping university in Sweden. Dr Collste has written various books and articles on ethics and applied ethics. He is at present serving as director of the Centre for Applied Ethics at Linköping university.