Concept Of Dignity Research Articles

On the Axiological Shift in Europe and Its Impact on the European System of Human Rights as Exemplified by the Council of Europe and European Union

Abstract This article investigates shifts in the primary sources of political and axiological discourse in Europe in the area of human rights. Assumed that there may have been two main causes, firstly, the ongoing cultural change in Europe and the departure from the Christian cultural and axiological foundations in Europe, which also affects the interpretation of human rights, is discussed. Secondly, there may perhaps have been progressive change in the source of human rights, and a departure from the concept of human dignity as a universal source of human rights, in the direction of a European cultural interpretation. This change will be shown by reference the Council of Europe and the EU. The theoretical inspiration for this article has been the theory of Christian Reus Smit, who in his own way shows an alternative history to the formation of the structures of the international system, showing that its fragmentation has been taking place around the consolidation of societies (and states) around newly-created rights. Taking this inspiration into account, the article tries to look at Europe through this prism and the European system of human rights protection in relation to the universal one.

ENTRE VERGALHÕES E LEIS: REFLEXÕES SOBRE A FRAGILIDADE DO DIREITO À VIDA ANIMAL

The article "Between Rebars and Laws: Reflections on the Fragility of the Right to Animal Life" addresses the historical relationship between humans and animals, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in how society perceives and treats sentient beings. The author discusses the evolution of the concept of dignity, which in recent decades has come to include not only humans but also animals, recognizing them as beings capable of feeling pain and pleasure. The text analyzes Brazilian legislation and judicial decisions that have sought to guarantee rights for animals, such as the prohibition of cruel practices. Despite advancements, the article points out that there are still cultural and legal barriers that hinder the effectiveness of animal protection laws. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of strengthening enforcement mechanisms and the need for explicit regulation that recognizes the right to life for animals, considering them as beings deserving of respect and dignity.

Dignity in people with dementia: A concept analysis.

Background: Dignity, an abstract and complex concept, is an essential part of humanity and an underlying guiding principle in healthcare. Previous literature indicates dignity is compromised in people with dementia (PwD), but those PwD maintain the capacity to live with dignity with appropriate external support. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) lead to progressive functional decline and increased vulnerability and dependence, leading to heightened risks of PwD receiving inappropriate or insufficient care that diminishes dignity. Considering the increased disease prevalence and the continuously escalating costs of dementia care, establishing a productive value-based guideline may prevent suffering, maximize dignity, and thus promote quality of life (QoL).Aim: The goal of this project is to identify actionable targets for integrating dignity harmoniously and practically into care planning and management for PwD.Research Design: We conducted a concept analysis using Walker and Avant's eight-step process. A comprehensive literature search was conducted (PubMed and CINAHL) with the keywords "dignity," "dementia," "Alzheimer's disease," and "dementia care."Results: A total of 42 out of 4910 publications were included. The concept of dignity in PwD is operationalized as the promotion of worthiness and the accordance of respect that allows the presence and expression of a person's sense of self, regardless of physical, mental, or cognitive health. The concept has two subdimensions: absolute dignity which encompasses the inherent self and relative dignity characterized by its dynamic reflective nature. Worthiness and respect are the two main attributes, while autonomy is an underlying component of dignity. Specific antecedents of dignity in PwD are empowerment, non-maleficence, and adaptive environmental scaffolding. As a consequence of facilitating dignity in PwD, QoL may be enhanced.Conclusion: As a foundational and necessary humanistic value, incorporating dignity into dementia care can lead to efficient and effective care that optimizes QoL in PwD throughout their disease progression.

A BRIEF GLIMPSE UPON THE "PARADIGM SHIFT" REGARDING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - TALES OF CONSISTENCY

The article provides a detailed analysis of the paradigm shift introduced by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD, adopted in 2006, is recognized as a significant human rights treaty that reaffirms the universal concept of human dignity, applying it to all individuals, including those with mental disabilities. The convention emphasizes the need for legal frameworks to evolve, ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others. The historical context leading up to the CRPD is outlined, noting that earlier UN declarations and principles laid the groundwork by gradually recognizing rights of persons with disabilities. This development can be divided into three stages: the initial recognition of legal personality, the establishment of principles for mental health care, and finally, the CRPD's comprehensive approach to legal capacity. A key focus of the article is the controversy surrounding Article 12 of the CRPD, which grants persons with disabilities the right to legal capacity in all aspects of life. This provision challenges traditional systems of guardianship and substitute decision-making, which have historically been used to manage the affairs of individuals with mental disabilities. The article discusses the debates and misunderstandings among national legislators regarding the implementation of this "paradigm shift," particularly the move from substitute to supported decision-making. Overall, the article argues that the CRPD represents a culmination of decades of evolving legal principles aimed at ensuring equality and dignity for persons with disabilities. The author emphasizes the need for national laws to align with this new approach, ensuring that legal capacity is universally recognized, regardless of an individual's mental or physical condition.

A Promising Piece of the Puzzle: Human Dignity and the Role of Section 1 of the Charter

In this brief piece, I want to take up Major’s invitation to think about the “puzzle” and the “promise” of human dignity, but from a different perspective. In particular, I want to consider whether any negative implications of adopting a conception of human dignity that encompasses the elderly offender who is sentenced to die in prison can be rationalized within the broader constitutional framework. My suggestion is that the tension relating to the “young” and “elderly” offenders may be better addressed by focusing on the role of section 1 of the Charter. While that provision received negligible mention in Bissonnette, it may be used to justify sentencing elderly offenders to effectively die in prison for heinous crimes like murder because any other approach would fail to adequately deter others, who are similarly situated, from committing such crimes. As I explain, this framework falls back on early recognition by the Supreme Court that utilitarian arguments for increasing punishment are properly considered as justifications, under section 1, for imposing what are otherwise “cruel and unusual treatments or punishments.”

From Gross Disproportionality to Human Dignity: Redefining Section 12 in the Context of Mandatory Minimum Sentences

In this short paper, we contend that human dignity must remain at the heart of the section 12 analysis, and should be strengthened in future cases that will be tackling the remaining mandatory minimums. In so doing, we critically examine the Supreme Court’s recent development of the section 12 framework, particularly in light of the 2023 mandatory minimum jurisprudence, with a specific emphasis on the concept of human dignity. The analysis centers on the role of reasonable hypotheticals in advancing the primary objective of section 12 — safeguarding human dignity — by scrutinizing the three pivotal components of the gross disproportionality analysis. We suggest that the section 12 analysis focuses on proportionality and human dignity rather than the current “gross disproportionality” standard in assessing what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. These suggestions are underpinned by an approach that considers proportionality a principle rooted in human dignity. Nevertheless, proportionality has its limits and therefore section 12 should be complemented by an approach that takes into account prison conditions and the effects of imprisonment on marginalized groups, which are rooted in inequalities. Finally, the analysis questions the third component of the gross disproportionality analysis, which calls for deference to the legislature in order to prioritize objectives that instrumentalize the individual and are contrary to human dignity. These objectives are problematic, we suggest, and best addressed within section 1 of the Charter.

Liudijimo literatūros reikšmė žmogaus teisių sampratai

The paper analyses whether witness literature could supplement the existing discussion on the nature of human rights. Contemporary theories of human rights are divided into two main groups – ethical and political theories. The latter theories present different conception of human dignity which is the fundamental concept for the understanding of human rights. The author claims that witness literature, by virtue of its frequent focus on the issues of human dignity, can assist in evaluating the arguments presented by ethical and political theories, thus contributing to the ongoing discussion and to the better understanding of human rights.

From ontological to relational: A scoping review of conceptions of dignity invoked in deliberations on medically assisted death

BackgroundDignity is omnipresent in Western ethics, but it also provokes dissension and controversy. One of the most striking examples is the debate on medically assisted death, where dignity is invoked to support antagonistic positions. While some authors conclude that the concept is useless as an ethical reference, many others invite us to deepen our analysis from a multidimensional perspective, to enrich it and make it useful. This scoping study is intended to provide an overview of the different conceptions of dignity used in the assisted dying debate, to better grasp the multiple facets of the concept.MethodsThe Joanna Briggs Institute's JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis guided the scoping review. Key words were based on the researchers' expertise and were used to identify relevant literature in French and English. Eleven databases covering the last six decades were consulted. Initially, 2,071 references were found in the databases. After excluding duplicates, screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, and after a specific literature search on the concept of relational dignity, 156 papers were found to match the identified inclusion criteria.ResultsThe literature highlights the stark confrontation between two dominant conceptions of dignity: ontological and autonomist. However, a lesser-known conceptualization of dignity integrates these two perspectives, underlining the relational and social dimensions of dignity. As a result, dignity emerges as a dynamic, experiential, and dialogical concept, that modulates itself according to circumstances. This raises the possibility of breaking through the binary debate and questioning the current frameworks that define dignity.ConclusionsThis multidimensional conceptualization of dignity could lead to a more complete and nuanced understanding of the concept, as well as open richer normative horizons regarding the issue of medically assisted death.

Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on Dignity in Dementia: A Qualitative Analysis

In dementia care, the concept of dignity has garnered substantial attention from both researchers and policymakers. However, the concept often remains vague and open to interpretation, potentially leading to misunderstandings and suboptimal care for people with dementia. As healthcare professionals occupy a critical role in upholding dignity, exploring their viewpoints on this complex concept is paramount. In this study, we explore Danish healthcare professionals’ views on the dignity of people with dementia and discuss these perspectives against existing theoretical accounts. We employed thematic analysis of data collected during facilitated discussions with a total of 99 healthcare professionals, including nurses and healthcare workers, during which we posed the question, “What is dignity to you?” and documented their perspectives. Through a systematic process of data coding and interpretation, we identified recurring patterns in their responses. This approach allowed us to uncover the depth and complexity of their viewpoints, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of dignity as perceived by healthcare professionals. Our findings revealed that healthcare professionals possessed a nuanced understanding of dignity, recognizing both a subjective element and a universal aspect applicable to all individuals, aligning with theoretical interpretations. However, conceptual ambiguity remained a challenge.

Varying Beliefs in God and the Self-Concepts of Mattering and Dignity in a US Sample

The concepts of mattering and dignity have increasingly gained traction within the sociology of religion literature, as meaningful connections have been found between some measures of religiosity and these self-concept measures. Yet, questions remain regarding the connection between belief in God, religious doubts, or non-belief and the self-concept, as many prior studies presuppose religious faith or lack differentiation between different levels of belief. Using data from the 2017 Baylor Religion Survey (analytic n = 1,402), a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey of US adults administered by Gallup, we examined how current belief in God without doubts, in contrast to currently believing in God with doubts, agnosticism, and atheism, is associated with perceptions of mattering to others and a sense of dignity. Results from OLS regression analyses suggested that atheists and agnostics or those with no opinion regarding their belief in God may show slightly lower mattering scores compared to theists without doubts. By contrast, we observed that those with religious doubts or wavering faith reported slightly lower perceived dignity, yet atheists or agnostics showed no significant differences in perceived dignity with non-doubting theists. We interpret our findings in light of the existing literature and provide suggestions for future research.

Cybernetic Principles in Psychophysiology: Their Significance and Conclusions for Palliative Care.

Palliative care is dedicated to terminally ill patients with advanced disease, regardless of diagnosis, under the overarching premise of optimizing quality of life. This narrative review examines the extent to which principles of cybernetics and psychophysiology underlie this approach. Psychophysiology researches the physiological equivalents of psychological states and traits such as activation and individual reactivity, the interoception and the personal characteristics. Cybernetics specifies these principles, which are possible by understanding terms such as "psychophysiology" or "cybernetics" or "self-organization/autopoiesis". The meaning of these terms for palliative care can also be elucidated in relation to the terms "biofeedback", "consciousness", "pain", and "anxiety". The common themes of cybernetics and psychophysiology are environment, subjectivity, personality characteristics, the difference between time scale separation in cybernetic systems, and real-time procedures in environment and rhythm. These lead to special therapies based on psychophysiology, such as consciousness training. The concepts of quality of life, causality, the biopsychosocial model, therapy, and autonomy are examined as palliative care concepts. The equivalents can be described from the perspective of cybernetics. For some palliative care-related terms, cybernetic thinking is already present (quality of life, autonomy, symptom control), while for others, it is not (biopsychosocial). Cybernetic terms (complexity, stability, identity, rhythm) are still used to a lesser extent in palliative care. Terms like genetic basis are common in cybernetics and psychophysiology to explain the identity of the subject in transition. Identity, on the other hand, is the basis of the concept of dignity in palliative care. Psychophysiology investigates disturbances like pain and psychological illnesses, which are also present in palliative care. Psychophysiology, cybernetics, and palliative care have subjectivity and resources in common. Therapies based on cybernetic principles of psychophysiology can also be used for symptom control in palliative care in the oncology setting.

Explaining the process of learning about dignity by undergraduate nursing students: A grounded theory study.

The learning process about dignity and how undergraduate nursing students experience and use this ethical knowledge is an under-represented field in nursing research. To overcome the lack of conceptual clarity, it is important to understand what processes and dimensions students develop to support this learning outcome. This study aimed to explain the process of learning about dignity by undergraduate nursing students. A qualitative study was conducted using the grounded theory method. Data was collected through free reports and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 participants. A focus group was held for the selective coding. Sampling began purposefully and evolved into theoretical. Reflective and theoretical memos were generated from the data collection and constant comparison. Data analysis was performed using qualitative data analysis software using Corbin and Strauss' method. The research was approved by a specialized research ethics committee from a Health School. The process of learning about dignity by undergraduate nursing students revealed 'recognition of dignity' as the core category, supported by five main categories: 'proto-conscience of dignity', 'pathway to nursing', 'consciousness of dignity', 'ways of learning', and 'becoming capable'. These categories illustrate the processes and dimensions involved in nursing students' concept translation of dignity learning, allowing a theory to emerge. The 'Recognition of Dignity' theory aims to contribute to developing educational, training, and supervision processes for nursing programs. It seeks to enhance the ethical and moral development of undergraduate nursing students by helping them understand the concept of dignity and its fundamental importance in nursing.

European Citizenship and the Concept of Digital Self

Postmodern theory can be viewed as a new roadmap for interconnection between European citizenship and digitalization. This paper emphasizes that the concept of the digital self based on the postmodernist idea of ​​identity might serve as a roadmap for the relationship between digitalization and European citizenship. In addition to providing a framework for the study of EU citizenship and digital citizenship, postmodernism can be used to challenge essentialist claims about these two concepts by presenting an anti-foundationalist perspective that takes heterogeneous and fluid identities into account Another roadmap for the interconnection of European citizenship and digitization is the better development of digital human rights in the European context. This paper emphasizes that the main shortcoming of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles is that it does not include the concept of human dignity on which the idea of human rights is based and which is emphasized by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and other European legal documents. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the idea of human rights is dynamic and constantly evolving.

Towards a political concept of dignity

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a new way of thinking about the concept of dignity. It argues that existing conceptions of dignity in moral and legal philosophy fail to meet three key tests: conceptual soundness, analytical usefulness, and a capacity to vindicate the principle of moral egalitarianism. It suggests that we can better satisfy all three of these conditions if we treat dignity as a relational and political concept that is defined by a sense of what we are due. This means its content derives not from any transcendental truth or legal authority but has to be negotiated between different actors. It can then be asserted as part of an egalitarian project without needing to make reference to an external authority or a confused conceptual base. It seeks to show that this understanding of dignity is free of the conceptual confusion that plagues the existing conceptions; is closer to the ‘common’ understanding of dignity in ordinary language and thus more analytically useful; finally can be deployed more successfully in defence of the principle of moral equality.

Development and Validation of a questionnaire on human dignity in nursing cares: an exploratory sequential mixed study.

The current study aimed to develop and validate of human dignity questionnaire in nursing care. The present research is a sequential exploratory mixed method study. The questionnaire was developed and validated in three phases: (1) the concept of human dignity was defined through conventional content analysis qualitative approach, (2) early items of questionnaire was generated according to findings of the first phase, (3) validation of the questionnaire was evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. The study was conducted with the participation of 13 nurses in the qualitative section and 203 nurses in the quantitative section in teaching hospitals affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences (Iran). In the qualitative section, the definition and dimensions of the concept of human dignity in nursing care were discovered. In the quantitative section, the initial pool of items for the questionnaire of human dignity in nursing care was formed using the results of the qualitative section of the study and review of texts and related questionnaires. In factor analysis, four subscales including: respectful communication, equality of patient human value, preservation of privacy and patient-centered care were extracted by Eigen value above one. Internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire were calculated as 0.85 and 0.80, respectively, indicating an excellent reliability. The 20-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of human dignity questionnaire in nursing cares.

Human dignity and autonomy in medicoethical decisions at the end of life

Respect of human dignity is an unquestionable part of daily clinical routine as well as of evaluations in medical ethics. Some aspects of human dignity are asubject of transformation in the course of alifetime. If the ability to form a will is reduced, it might be difficult to satisfy the individual perception of adignified treatment, which is of particular interest in terminal care. As illustrated by the presented case report, moral problems can arise when the patient's present verbal or non-verbal expressions are opposed to what is documented or what is estimated by dependants to be the individual's will. In clinical decision-making processes, the determination of the will via an advance directive can be overstated, which can go so far that human dignity is reduced to autonomy. Aconcept of dignity reduced to autonomy misses the point not only of adignity-centered medical care but also of shared decision-making. In situations at the end of life other aspects, such as authenticity or self-actualization should be considered when respecting the individual's dignity. Medicine should as such not marginalize death but provide acare based on principles that focus on human interaction and respect for acomprehensive concept of dignity.

Sweatshops and Labour Law: The Ethical and Legal Implications of Ignoring Labour Law in Developing Countries

Abstract Academic defenders of sweatshops argue that disregarding labour rights will result in increased welfare in the developing nations where transnational corporations (TNCs) operate. They argue that TNCs should ignore local labour laws in the best interests of the poor. In this article we criticise this ‘ignore the law’ position regarding sweatshops on three separate grounds. First, it fails to acknowledge the demands for businesses to respect the rule of law as part of the development process. Second, it utilises an inadequate account of voluntary contractual bargaining which overlooks how employment practises operate in sectors prone to utilising sweatshop labour, leading to coercive employment conditions incompatible with human dignity and free choice. Third, it fails to adequately account for labour law and international labour standards, which embody a strong moral conception of dignity at work and observance of fundamental human rights in protecting workers against abuse through the resulting legal duties placed on states and corporate actors. We conclude that poverty reduction requires the support of both private and public actors. Advocating the side-stepping of labour laws distracts from the important work of institution building necessary to protect workers and facilitate economic growth consistent with decent work, sustainable development, fairness and human dignity as embodied in international labour standards.

Humour versus dignity in the public sphere

Dignity is an important—perhaps even essential—aspect of a functioning public sphere: one where citizens can meet each other as equals and respectful antagonists in the exchange of different perspectives and reasoned opinions. This potentially poses a problem, however, for those who seek to invoke humour as a productive element of public conversation and deliberation. Even when humour is not explicitly critical, to treat a subject or person in comic terms is potentially to threaten their dignity in ways that could undermine their ability to meaningfully participate in the public sphere. In this article I argue that there is a need to more fully theorise ‘dignity’ in order to understand how humour circulates and functions in the public sphere. To that end, I first draw upon Axel Honneth’s political theory of recognition as the basis for an expanded conception of dignity that can be understood as the basis for claiming membership of a political community. This model is then tested through a consideration of the physical comedy of ‘pie-ing’ as an example of the elementary conflict between humour and dignity. Finally, the concept of comic indignity is explored as a way to consider which members of a public sphere can afford to suffer slights to their dignity, which cannot, and how this unequal vulnerability to humour might provide the basis for a new model for assessing the politics of humour in the public sphere.

The Importance of Reconstituting the Bodies of Organ and Tissue Donors: a Look at Human Dignity

Introduction: Family refusal to authorize the donation of human organs and tissues has remained high over the years. Among the many reasons for not donating, we highlight the lack of information about the process and the family’s lack of knowledge about the donor’s wishes in life, as well as other issues, such as the appearance of the donor’s body after donation. In this sense, it is necessary to bring to light the aspects that permeate the concepts of death, human dignity, and care for the donor’s image, especially in the case of tissue donors, where the removal may be more noticeable. Objectives: An integrative literature review (ILR) was carried out, seeking to highlight gaps and characterize the process of donating human organs and tissues, with a focus on the reconstruction of the donor’s body and human dignity. In addition, the aim was to describe the experience of a professional from a human tissue bank (BTH). Methods: Using the PICO strategy, the study’s guiding question was drawn up following an IR carried out over the last 10 years, operationalized by controlled descriptors in the SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. In addition to the search, an experience report was described on the techniques used to reconstruct the donor’s body after the tissues used by a BTH located in the interior of the state of São Paulo were harvested. Results: Nine specific studies were found on donation and the use of prostheses to reconstruct donated areas. The results show the reasons for family refusal, as well as the care taken by the technical teams in reconstructing donors’ bodies. The family’s concern about the donor’s aesthetic situation influences acceptance for donation, so it is necessary to invest in the safety and quality of the services provided by BTH to reduce family refusal for donation. Conclusion: Clear communication and the safety of the processes involved in the procurement of human organs and tissues proved to be the best way to facilitate donation and could thus increase donations.

The Dignity of Peace and the Peace of Dignity

Peace and dignity are two closely related concepts. Dignity is a fundamental human right, and peace is essential for realizing human dignity. Both concepts are deeply intertwined and interdependent. The dignity of peace and the peace of dignity are two sides of the same coin. The quest for dignity is collective and formidable. It is a galvanizing force behind all human interaction between families, communities, the business world, and relationships at the local and international levels. When dignity is violated, the response will likely involve violence, vengeance, hatred, and aggression. But when people treat one another with dignity, they become more connected and can create more meaningful relationships. Most people do not understand the concept of dignity and why its violation can harm societies’ peaceful co-existence and economic development. By respecting and embracing the dignity of persons as a way of life, we open the way to greater peace within ourselves and a safer and more humane world for all. This essay will explore the concept of the dignity of peace and the peace of dignity, the importance of each concept, their interrelation, and how they are promoted and protected in different contexts.