Six issues that seem particularly important for examining human dignity as an ethical and legal concept are explored. First, the problems of its genealogy and second, the elements of its content are critically reconstructed. Third, questions of justification are addressed, in particular drawing attention to the axiological power of secular, egalitarian humanism for the theory of legitimacy of human dignity. Fourth, problems of concretisation are discussed that concern the precise circumscription of the scope the limits of dignity if it is (...) to be applied convincingly in concrete legal circumstances. Fifth, the problem of universality is examined. Finally, some thought is given to a curious but, in practice, very important aspect of human dignity: its persistent human appeal. (shrink)