The purpose of this chapter is to illuminate different understandings of the concept of dignity and to discuss how we can make use of this knowledge to enhance human health. Dignity is viewed as a universal concept in health sciences and a feature necessary to promote health and alleviate suffering related to sickness and impending death. The ideas presented in this chapter are founded in a caring science paradigm where the human being is considered as a unique entity consisting of body, soul, and spirit. Caring science as referred to in this chapter has its scientific foundation in Gadamer’s ontological hermeneutics.
Dignity is described in a historical perspective, and different meanings of dignity are clarified. Since health and dignity relate to one other, we have clarified the concept of health employing the texts of the Finnish theoretician Katie Eriksson. In order to illuminate the perspective of health promotion, we have also briefly described health in a salutogenic perspective according to the medical sociologist Aron Antonovsky. In clarifying dignity, the texts of well-known researchers from the Nordic countries and UK were employed. In reflecting on how we can make use of the knowledge of dignity and indignity to promote health, we have considered this matter in light of results of a major Scandinavian study. The main purpose of this study was to explore dignity and indignity of patients in nursing homes from the perspective of patients, family caregivers, and health personnel. The testimonies presented in this section are further interpreted employing mainly caring science and philosophical literature. Lastly, a short summary of some public policy efforts with the aim to preserve human dignity is offered.
Copyright 2021, The Author(s).