Authenticity in Community

Abstract

ABSTRACT Care and support for persons with intellectual disabilities are based upon a normative anthropology, an image of man which structures professional care practices. The normative anthropology of contemporary care practices is closely related to the dominating concept of the autonomous individual. The concept of the autonomous individualas well as its relational alternative-has an exclusive character and is derived from an intellectualistic and substantialist interpretation of being human. Therefore, this concept cannot serve as a moral ground for care for persons with intellectual disabilities. Although sources of this interpretation can be found in mainstream western theological and philosophical traditions, in early and in modern Christian theological traditions, traces can also be found of an ‘inclusive anthropology.’ This inclusive anthropology offers important clues for a moral view of care and support for persons with intellectual disabilities. In this normative framework the emphasis is on authenticity and community. As a consequence, care and support for persons with intellectual disabilities are considered to be processes of continuing interpretation in which the development of particular virtues, skills and attitudes of professional caregivers plays a decisive role. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: