http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
human dignity and the ethics of difference
This book defends a radical new theory of respect against the backdrop of a critical analysis of Western claims to moral progress. Drawing from a wide range of typically marginalized voices both past and present and often working through real life reflections on the experience of disrespect, it demonstrates the ways that our existing ideas about respect, though inspiring, have misled our efforts to validate the equal human dignity of persons. We grow up being told that respecting persons requires focusing on the ways that all persons are alike in virtue of their equal capacity for agency, autonomy and rights. However, this book argues that sometimes respecting persons requires deemphasizing what they have in common with all other persons, in favor of what is different about them. According to this alternative theory, it is not a person's autonomy or rights that matter most, but their unique, individual perspective on the world. And the way we respect or recognize this perspective is by trying to understand it.
The story. ǂt What we know -- What we are missing -- The ethos of respect -- Status quo -- The red herring of rights -- The red herring of rights, take two -- Toward an ethics of difference -- A real history of respect -- Rise, passionate person -- The theory. Back on earth -- Understanding persons -- Respect as understanding -- The failure to misunderstand -- All the wrinkles -- Dignity needs no apology.
Includes bibliographical references and index.