We explain what dignity is, its philosophical definitions and elements, as well as its general characteristics and examples.
The concept of dignity today is linked to freedom.
What is dignity?
It is called dignity a value inherent to human beingsthat is, it is not granted by anyone but is possessed by everyone without distinction of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or other conditions. It aims at the respect and consideration that any individual deserves for the mere fact of being human. In this sense, the concept of dignity today is linked to freedom, rationality, ethics and human values.
However, in ancient times, It was associated with certain traditional values linked to religious faith.respect for tradition or belonging to a human group that is considered worthy of respect from others. Hence, there are phrases such as “It is better to die with dignity than to live on one’s knees” or other expressions that are close to pride.
Commonly refers to live with dignity or in decent living conditions in a very different sense: at the minimum acceptable level, in ideal (not pragmatic) terms of wealth and well-being, in which a human being can live, enjoying the respect and equality of his or her peers.
See also: Basic needs
Origin of dignity
Dignity as a value has long been present in human culture. However, With Christianity it emerges as a universal value and a personal mandate.
As for its legal value, it was not until the 20th century, after the Second World War and its atrocities were revealed, It was proposed as a value to defendIt was no longer an individual objective but a collective one, of the entire species.
Henceforth, this idea of human dignity appeared in international treaties and it was considered a goal to be achieved by the organized community: decent living conditions for all human beings without distinction. A goal still far from being achieved.
Types of dignity
According to philosophy, we can talk about three types of dignity:
- Ontological or human dignity. That which is born with human beings and is based on their belonging to the species.
- Moral dignity. That which concerns the behavior of people in society and the judgment that is made regarding good and evil.
- Real or acquired dignity. That which others perceive around us and which points to the consideration they have of us.
What is dignity for?
Dignity is one of the pillars of equity and equality.
The dignity It is not a “useful” value, nor is it something that can be “applied”It is a category based on which we think about ourselves and others.
Dignity is one of the pillars of equity, equality and freedombecause the moment we convince ourselves (or allow ourselves to be convinced) that a type of person or a particular person lacks dignity, we will feel that we can treat them as if they were less than a human being.
A clear example of this is the treatment that slaves received in ancient times or what happened to the Jewish people during the so-called Holocaust of World War II.
Differences between honor and dignity
These terms They can be considered equivalent in many occasionsalthough they are not exactly. Their boundaries are blurred because they are relative values, not absolute and much less scientific.
We could say that the Dignity is a value that human beings exercise over themselvesthat is, it is autonomous, it is defined by oneself. It has to do with self-esteem, with self-consideration and with what one is willing to do and what one is not.
Pride and honor, although they are considerations that human beings exercise over themselves, must be considered different because the latter He does so motivated by the “what they will say”that is, by the consideration that others will give to their actions or their values, and the position in relation to the rest of society in which they will place them.
Ethics and dignity
Dignity also operates as a concept similar to ethics. It is mentioned in treaties on bioethics and human rightsFor example.This is because all behaviors, projects or activities that consider the human being as something less than what he isthat is, those who treat them as an object, an animal or a property and not as a free, rational and suffering being, are considered unworthy. Therefore, they humiliate, degrade and insult those who carry them out more than those who suffer them.
For example, Genetic engineering of human fetuses is considered unworthy of the speciessince it would mean that we are manipulable, programmable or manufacturable things, like commodities. In addition, it implies great risks in the face of something invaluable: the genetic legacy of humanity.
Animal dignity
Animal dignity involves seeing animals as beings that deserve respect.
This concept is recent and goes hand in hand with the consideration of animal rights as something real and legally binding. It involves considering Animals as suffering beings deserving of respect. Therefore, they deserve treatment that takes into account their needs and suffering, not that considers them mere objects.
Human dignity
Humans We don’t always treat ourselves the way we deserve.that is, with a minimum of respect for the needs and sufferings of others. In this sense, the dignity of people has to do with the amount of consideration they feel they deserve (their self-esteem), but also the amount of respect with which others are willing to treat them.
Thus, an unworthy person is one who either gives himself less respect than an average human being deserves, or who gives others less respect than they deserve. In any case, dignity It’s something that has to do with what we give..
Elements of human dignity
Subjective elements concern the individual perspective of people.
Human dignity comprises two types of elements:
- Subjective elements. Those that concern the individual perspective of people, and their conviction that the living conditions available to them are sufficient to achieve happiness and fulfillment.
- Objective elements. Those that concern objective reality, the very living conditions that a human being has available to be happy and free.
This distinction can be seen in the following example: a person enslaved by other people may be suffering undignified treatment and living an undignified life, but doing so with the greatest possible dignity, without ever agreeing with the idea of deserving such mistreatment.
Phrases about dignity
- “Dignity does not consist in having honors, but in deserving them.”
Aristotle (384-322 BC) - “Through lying, man destroys his dignity as a man.”
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) - “The dignity of human nature requires that we face the storms of life.”
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) - “Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.”
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
It may be useful to you: Beauty (in philosophy)
Examples of dignity
- It is said that a person is worthy when he faces adversity without lowering himself, that is, understanding that just because he is going through a bad time does not mean he stops being a human being in full use of his faculties and rights.
- A person is said to be dignified or respond with dignity when he faces another in a debate, a fight or an argument and proceeds with respect towards his adversary.
- A person is worthy when he honors his commitments, with himself and with others, considering that his given word is valuable simply by being his own.