On Being Human

Michael Marsh has an interesting background as University lecturer in medicine and consulting gastroenterologist specialising in immunopathology. He returned to Oxford to do a degree in theology and wrote his D Phil thesis on near death and out of body experiences, published in 2010. Unfortunately, I did not see this book at the time. This new book reflects his interest in ethical outcomes of medical practice and biomedical research. It deals with the four D's of distinctiveness, dignity, disability and disposal, and encompasses a vast range of theoretical and practical issues. The first part draws on evolutionary anthropology, genetics and epigenetics, consciousness studies and the acquisition of language to build up a picture of human distinctiveness. Under dignity, he discusses theological approaches to personhood and the question of whether moral status can be ascribed to the human embryo/foetus. In this regard, he goes back to the Warnock report of the mid-1980s and argues for the bold position of ascribing moral status from the moment of conception as a human being with a unique genome. Being disabled, dysfunctional or disfigured should have no bearing on basic human dignity. Under disposal, he considers abortion and infanticide at one end of life, and assisted death and suicide at the other. He comes up with his own well argued case while sounding appropriate cautionary notes. Both the introduction and final resume give very clear account of his argument and enhance the reader's understanding about the depth of being human. As an aside, I find it interesting that he gave an example of 'presence in absence' by speaking about a visit from his grown children where the conversation revolves around the practical what rather than the deeper who, and one is left wondering how well one still knows them. Anyone deeply concerned with these ethical issues will be greatly enriched by reading this careful book.