Ethics of dignity

In this course, we will begin with a historical, conceptual and theological exploration of the concept of human dignity. We will analyse different meanings and uses, such as: dignity as merit, dignity as an inalienable right, dignity as the capacity for self-determination and autonomy, and dignity as human flourishing. We will relate these conceptions to theological conceptions of human dignity.

Along two lines, we will develop this theoretical exploration:

• along the line of the relationship between dignity and human rights, including the debate on the historical and systematic foundations of both concepts in the Christian tradition
• along the line of the role human dignity plays within end-of-life decisions and debates, starting with the debates on euthanasia in the Netherlands, again including theological positions within this debate

In a third step, we will bring together the different elements of this course and try to formulate a ‘politics of care’. All students can contribute from their own context to a theologically sound justification of care for the dignity of vulnerable people and the ways in which it can take shape in different, religiously pluralistic, political contexts.

The seminar is 7.5 ECTS:

• 48 hours preparation
• 30 hours paper
• 3 hours written exam
• 105 hours self-study

November 2025 to January 2026

For anyone interested in theological-ethical theories of human dignity, end-of-life discussions, human rights, and wanting to be able to interpret them within their own socio-political context.

• Suzie Killmister, Contours of Dignity. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2020. 
• R. Kendall Soulen en Linda Woodhead (red.), God and Human Dignity. Grand Rapids, MI. Eerdmans, 2006 (a selection of chapters).
• Several other papers will be made available through Blackboard

Exam and paper.