Abstract

Some considerations about a fundamental question connected with the concept of human dignity. I gladly accept this invitation, and I hope my remarks may be useful as an introduction to the subject of this conference. My considerations are motivated by a very special debate we have in Switzerland concerning the question of whether the concept of dignity can be transferred to monkeys. This debate has been triggered by an article in the Federal Constitution of Switzerland which stipulates that the ‘dignity of creatures’ (‘Würde der Kreatur’) is to be respected in all kinds of research within the field of nonhuman nature, that is to say animals and plants.