Introduction to a Conversation

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.