[A] fascinating read. * Standpoint Magazine *
A fine set of essays designed to explain and defend the notion of human dignity in the Judaeo-Christian tradition . . . individuals like Loughlin and his colleagues turn to the history of philosophy in their studies of the concept of dignity, and by knowing our history-the history of humanity and the history of thinking-we are in a better position to know our proper trajectory. * International Philosophical Quarterly *
A thoughtful, necessary and scholarly contribution ... [the essays] repay serious study on a subject of crucial concern for everyone, whatever their creed or ethnicity. * Catholic Herald *
John Loughlin and his colleagues provide an engaging and lively reconsideration of the value of human dignity in these troubled, contested times. This groundbreaking and important contribution to our understanding of ourselves and of the worth of each individual draws on a number of disciplines and perspectives, which reminds us that autonomy has to be debated, defended, redefined and prized, if it continues to serve as an ethical foundation for human interaction. -- Colin H. Williams, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University and Senior Research Associate of the Von Hugel Institute, Cambridge University, UK
A rich and powerful treatment of the idea of human dignity. This work draws together an impressive array of well-known international scholars to explore the Judeo-Christian and aesthetic dimensions of the concept. They mount a robust defense of the spiritual, biblical, and historical aspects of the idea against those who reject human dignity as a mere religious construct with no relevance for modernity. -- Oliver P. Rafferty SJ, Professor of History, Boston College, USA.
This volume provides a needed reassessment of the roots of human dignity from the vantage of the relational model of likeness and image of God in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The authors' attention to the unmistakable contribution of this idea, its development alongside classical ideals, and the way it has broadly impacted culture and rights theories make this book a most valuable resource. -- Kevin G. Grove, CSC, Assistant Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame, United States
Loughlin has drawn together for this collection a very impressive field of international scholars from a wide variety of disciplines . . . This is a very significant volume which should become a standard text in the field; a short review cannot really do justice to it. . . This brief summary of such a panoramic collection shows how worthwhile this enterprise has been, and Loughlin is to be congratulated. * Ashley Beck, Pastoral Review *
This book is thoroughly recommended as a contribution of lasting value to the Christian notion of human dignity. * Law & Justice *
The greatest strength of this text is that it accomplishes what it sets out to do - to offer a comprehensive view of Judeo-Christian perspectives on human dignity. This volume would be a helpful accompaniment to any course in human rights, as well as any upper level course in philosophy and theology seeking to more fully understand the philosophical and theological heritage of human dignity. * Reviews in Religion and Theology *