ABSTRACT
We can begin to identify what is protected by an appeal to the principle of human dignity by noting that its etymological roots (Lat. dignitas, literally ‘worth’) point to the conviction that humans have a special value.2 It is, therefore, easy to associate efforts to protect human dignity with initiatives to safeguard traits which are seen as characteristically human. However, Schachter states that the meaning and content of the human dignity principle have essentially been left to ‘intuitive understanding’ rather than being clearly conceptualised.3 Additionally, Gaylin remarks, [c]ertain concepts – like certain books with cachet – are prominently ‘displayed’ and discussed in intellectual abodes, while remaining essentially unexplored. Human dignity is one such concept.4
