On October 8, 2024, the Institute for Human Ecology at The Catholic University of America hosted its Seventh Annual Human Rights Lecture, featuring Professor O. Carter Snead, the Charles E. Rice Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame and author of What It Means to Be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics.
In his lecture titled “Ethics at the Edges of Humanity,” Professor Snead examined the foundational assumptions underlying contemporary bioethical debates. He argued that many modern policies are predicated on a conception of the human person as an autonomous, self-determining individual. Contrasting this view, Snead advocated for an understanding of human identity that acknowledges our embodied nature and inherent dependencies.
Drawing from his extensive work in public bioethics, Snead emphasized the importance of recognizing the vulnerabilities and relational aspects of human life. He discussed how this perspective should inform ethical considerations in areas such as abortion, end-of-life care, and biotechnology. By highlighting the significance of embodiment, Snead called for a bioethical framework that prioritizes human dignity and the common good over individual autonomy.
The lecture resonated with attendees, offering a thought-provoking analysis that bridges philosophical anthropology and practical ethics. It underscored the necessity of grounding human rights discourse in a realistic and compassionate understanding of the human condition.
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