Human Dignity: Its Roots and Challenges in Western Thought

A bold reappraisal of the concept of human dignity through the lens of Catholic tradition. Drawing on the biblical notion that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei), John Loughlin traces the development of this idea from antiquity to modernity. He examines key moments of continuity and rupture—from the Church Fathers to the Renaissance, the Reformation to Enlightenment secularism, and 20th-century renewal to today's contested bioethical landscape. Integrating theology, philosophy, and political thought, the book engages contemporary moral debates while presenting a constructive Catholic anthropology. This is a timely and provocative contribution for scholars, students, and general readers concerned with the future of human dignity in a fragmented world.