Indicators of Humanhood: A Tentative Profile of Man

Fletcher, Joseph

doi:10.2307/3561570

Cited by 101 publications

(27 citation statements)

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“…The assertion that we can define personhood by one or more characteristics or capabilities is commonplace. Fletcher, for example, would have us standardize personhood, and therefore dignity, by means of an IQ test (Fletcher 1972(Fletcher , 2012. Tooley, in his disturbing article "Abortion and Infanticide," argues that the necessary criterion for personhood, protection of rights, and dignity is self-consciousness (1972).…”

Section: Dignity As Capability-dependentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dignity Reevaluated: A Theological Examination of Human Dignity and the Role of the Church in Bioethics and End-of-Life Care

Genuis

2016

Linacre Q

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Predominant among the terminological ambiguities that plague contemporary bioethics is confusion attending the meaning of the term “human dignity,” particularly as it applies to so-called end-of-life discussions. This study surveys current trends in treatment of the concept of dignity, examining relevant thinkers who see dignity as redundant or as capability-dependent. These inadequate views are contrasted with an attitude, based theologically in Mark 5, that understands human dignity to represent an absolute characteristic that is donated graciously to all bearers of imago Dei. Human dignity must thus be affirmed as inviolable and independent of autonomy, rationality, or capability. A specific task of the Christian Church is to faithfully recognize and proclaim this dignity. This investigation is particularly relevant in the face of contemporary discussions regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted death. Lay Summary: Much of the polarization within the contemporary bioethical discussion proceeds out of confusion regarding how we ought to define the terms of the debate. If we may take the existing debates regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted death as an example, we may understand the vital need for a sensible definition of the term that stands at the heart of the arguments of both sides of the debate: “human dignity.” As such, this study seeks to define dignity in a logical, theological, deeply personal, and highly practical fashion, and to outline the critical role of the Church within such an understanding. Sometimes, when I walk into the room, he ignores me. Sometimes he thinks I am someone else. Most often he is asleep, subjugated by drugs designed to prevent agitation, although “agitation” is the sterilized hospital word for what I would call unbridled panic, total disorientation. The night he had the stroke, they had to tie him to the bed just to keep him in the hospital. And they wouldn't let me see him because he had been calling my name. Very dramatic, but most of his suffering, and our grief, is not dramatic. It is just the mundane process of one man slowly fading, becoming, every day, more of a stranger to himself and to those he loves.

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Section: Dignity As Capability-dependentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dignity Reevaluated: A Theological Examination of Human Dignity and the Role of the Church in Bioethics and End-of-Life Care

Genuis

2016

Linacre Q

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“…One way, of course, would be by having it pass a Turing test. LaChat offers a different criterion: Joseph Fletcher's analysis of personhood (Fletcher, 1972).…”

Section: What Is the Measure Of Success?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Philosophy of Computer Science

Rapaport

2005

Teaching Philosophy

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“…IQ is a crude measurement at the best of times, giving a score of 100 or thereabouts to the average individual. Proponents, partisans or 'believers' in the absolutist 'religion' of IQ, and psychological measurement would claim that the individual who scores below IQ 40 is questionably a person; but anyone scoring below 20 shows infallibly that such an individual cannot possibly be a person (Fletcher, 1972). These advocates, or disciples, must have a very simple faith in the measurement of IQ, and the 'gods' who designed the measurements in the first place!…”

Section: Characteristics Required For Human 'Humanness'mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Rights and Equal Opportunities for People with Mental Handicap‐‐With Particular Reference to Down Syndrome

Stratford¹

1991

International Journal of Disability, Development and Education

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Indicators of Humanhood: A Tentative Profile of Man

Cited by 101 publications

References 0 publications

Dignity Reevaluated: A Theological Examination of Human Dignity and the Role of the Church in Bioethics and End-of-Life Care

Dignity Reevaluated: A Theological Examination of Human Dignity and the Role of the Church in Bioethics and End-of-Life Care

Philosophy of Computer Science

Human Rights and Equal Opportunities for People with Mental Handicap‐‐With Particular Reference to Down Syndrome

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