ABOUT THE EVENT
The concept of human dignity is part of the very bedrock of Western culture. Yet when we speak of “human dignity,” what exactly are we talking about? Although appeals to human dignity or equal dignity are common, the term gets used in quite different—even opposite—ways. Precisely because the meaning of dignity language is contested, renowned bioethicist and Lutheran theologian Gilbert Meilaender will discuss what he means when he uses this language and will offer a rationale for using it in that way, suggesting that the term “dignity” is properly used in at least two ways—the most important of which is to mark the equal personal dignity we all share.
Dr. Quentin Genuis, Emergency Physician at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver and the Physician Ethicist for Providence Health Care, will offer a response to Professor Meilaender’s lecture.
This lecture will be held at UBC’s Sage Lecture Hall (6331 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z1).
ABOUT GILBERT MEILAENDER
Gilbert Meilaender is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University. He taught at the University of Virginia (1975-78), at Oberlin College (1978-96), and at Valparaiso University (1996-2014), where he held the Duesenberg Chair in Christian Ethics. He holds an M.Div. (1972) from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) and a Ph.D. (1976) from Princeton University.
Professor Meilaender is the author of many books and articles in the field of Christian ethics. Among his books are Friendship: A Study in Theological Ethics; Bioethics: A Primer for Christians; The Way that Leads There: Augustinian Reflections on the Christian Life; and (an edited volume of readings) Working: Its Meaning and Its Limits. He is co-editor (with William Werpehowski) of the Oxford Handbook of Theological Ethics. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Society of Christian Ethics, as an Associate Editor of Religious Studies Review, as a Consultant Editor of Studies in Christian Ethics, and as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Religious Ethics.
Professor Meilaender’s work in the area of bioethics is well known. He is a Fellow of the Hastings Center and was a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics from 2002 to 2009.