What It Means to Be Human: Anthropological and Ethical Reflections on Navigating the Vulnerability and Fragility of Human Existence During Times of Illness

Abstract

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This paper is intended to consider whether human vulnerability as manifested in the situation of being ill can be accepted as a profound human limitation in life that contributes to a deeper understanding of what it ultimately means to be human—to learn not only to live with suffering but to live through it. Also a further horizon, which is looked at more closely from philosophical and theological points of view, is drawn by understanding one’s own being as gift.

Keywords

• human being
• human person
• vulnerability
• illness
• suffering
• being as gift
• solidarity