Dignity and Empowerment

This book provides an insightful view in the philosophical foundation of one the most crucial global practices, namely humanitarian action, in view of current developments in international ethics. Indeed, in a globalized world, the suffering of many people has become more tangible than ever, and therefore also a philosophical and global political puzzle. Since the first phases of the globalization, which include the founding of the Red Cross, humanitarian action in the form of various assistance and support services, emerged as a cross-border concern. After the Second World War, humanitarian actors have significantly expanded their activities and also increased in size. Along with the emergence of this humanitarian practice, an evolving humanitarian theory has emerged which intended to provide the foundations for this commitment and to determine its principles. From a philosophical point of view, it is crucial to investigate which forms of ethical foundations and normative goals underlie this development and how, in view of various philosophical traditions, these developments are to be interpreted.