Introduction to a conversation

Abstract

This book has its origins in an unusual meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, in November 2004. Over two days, some 25 historians, physicians, and others gathered together to participate in a single conversation on the subject of human dignity. The conversational character of the meeting was quite deliberate: although each participant came with some prepared material to present to the others, the aim was to encourage a true interdisciplinary engagement, and to encourage a dialogue between individuals that would allow new perspectives and ideas to emerge. Most of the participants had not met one another previously, and the only point in common was a shared contact with the two organizers. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.