Peter Bieri was born in Bern in 1944. Until a few years ago he was a professor of Philosophy at the Free University of Berlin. He has published fundamental works on philosophy and philosophy of mind and knowledge, including the present book on human dignity and another on freedom of will (The office of being free). Under the pseudonym Pascal Mercier, Bieri has also published four novels, including Tren nocturno a Lisboa y Lea. He has been awarded several prizes both for his philosophical work and for his literary work, and his books have been translated into many languages. He currently lives in Berlin as a freelance writer.