Leon Kass‘ Life, Liberty & the Defense of Dignity: The Challenge for Bioethics is an oldie, but a goodie. The premier bioethicist explains the philosophy of dignity, and describes how various technological advances, including cloning and progress toward immortality, threaten dignity and humanity itself.

The book is heavy stuff. In addition to the gravity of the subject matter, Kass dives into Kantian ethics, etymology, and the philosophy of science. Perhaps this will deter the casual reader, but those interested in the subject should appreciate the thorough eloquence of the author.

The main challenges Kass addresses include: the origins of procreation, genetic therapy, cloning, the sale of organs, the so-called “right to die,” the quest for immortality, and the nature of biology. Throughout, Kass argues in favor of restraint and respect for human nature.

I was particularly intrigued by those  passages of the book in which Kass opines on the nature of humanity itself, writing that the corporeal nature of our situation should not be discounted.

The point is crucial, and stands apart from the text that teaches that: everything high about human life – thinking, judging, loving, willing, acting – depends absolutely on everything low – metabolism, digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion. In the case of human beings, “divinity” needs blood – or “mere” life – to sustain itself. And because of what it holds up, human blood – that is, human life – deserves special respect, beyond that which is owed to life as such; the low ceases to be the low.

If the above quote gets you thinking, I highly recommend reading the remainder of Kass’ book! Indeed, given the attention on healthcare as of late, Kass’ theories are all the more timely and deserving of contemplation.