Two Concepts of Dignity

Immanuel Kant’s “abstract” concept of dignity is contrasted with the “empathy-linked” approach. Because the empathy-link approach gives a central role to a patient’s desires and interests, it is a more plausible account than the Kantian approach (defended by J. David Velleman), which places dignity over and above a patient’s interests and desires. This distinction is brought to bear on issues of assisted suicide, the moral status of the embryo, genetic choices, and how a psychotherapist should “listen” to her patients.