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

Abstract

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