Humiliation, Degradation, Dehumanization

Degradation, dehumanization, instrumentalization, humiliation, and non-recognition point to ways in which we understand human beings to be violated in their dignity. Then there are practices and situations that we associate negatively with human dignity; some more or less accepted, and others contested. This volume collates reflections on such abstract concepts and a range of concrete practices, deepening understanding of our negative vocabulary of violating human dignity, bringing to the surface inter-relationships and commonalities, and pointing to the values that are thereby shown to be in danger. In presenting a streamlined discussion from a negative perspective, complimented by conclusions for a positive account of human dignity, the book is at once a contribution to the body of literature on what dignity is and how it should be protected as well as constituting an alternative, fresh and focused perspective relevant to this significant recurring debate. §As the concept of human dignity itself crosses disciplinary boundaries, this is mirrored in the unique range of perspectives brought by the book s European and American contributors in philosophy and ethics, law, human rights, literature, cultural studies and interdisciplinary research. It will be of interest to social and moral philosophers, legal and human rights theorists and practitioners.