Emile Durkheim sociology is basic functionalism (Pope, 975; Dew, 2007), he is the author of many classical texts, and one of those whom originated sociology (Lukes, 985). In The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (Durkheim 954) Durkheim studied ritual practices, religious beliefs and their social explanations, Durkheim anticipated to explain ritual practices and religious beliefs thoroughly in a sociological context (Lukes, 985). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life and other Durkheim work like suicide (Durkheim, 95), lead to argue Durkheims Functionalism, Taylor and Ashworth argued that Durkheim is a realist because he explained observable phenomena (Taylor & Ashworth, 987). Durkheim contribution to public health is very important, his study of the connection between health and society helped to understand the social solidarity, and the social integration effect on mortality (Berkman, Glass, Brissette & Seeman, 2000). Durkheims work has been used in several public he
alth concepts, such as social capital and anomie (Dew, 2007). Dignity of the human person is not a common concept used in public health (Dew, 2007). Durkheims interpretation of the Dignity of the human person is discussed in this paper, where medicine is recognized as a possible way to satisfy the role of the Dignity of the human person. However, public health as an institution appears to be a more appropriate contender. Dignity of the human person, Individualism, cult of humanity and religion of humanity all refer to the progression of society, and the associated shift of the importance to the sacredness of the individual (Chriss, 993). The fact that there are many terms to the same concept, resulted in confusion (Chriss, 993). These terms are used interchangeably by different translators, and even by Durkheim (Chriss, 993). The religious ideal and the religious power captivated Durkheim, as they molded the lives of a society of believers (Durkheim, 938, 95, 954, 984).