Re-examination of the metaphysical meaning of "Dignity"

Abstract

In the post Second War world, "Dignity" plays an important role in various legal constitutions. This includes the International Covenants on Human Rights(1966), in which inalienable human rights are said to 'derive from the inherent dignity of the human person'. One of the roots of this contemporary idea was attributed to Kant's progressive understanding of "Dignity". Recently, however, ethical naturalists and some critics have cast doubts on the validity and utility of such concepts of dignity. On the other hand, some objections have also been raised against the contemporary interpretation of Kant's concept of dignity,. In this paper the author will consider the foundational relationship between Kant's Formula of Humanity and his concept of dignity and re-examine the metaphysical and practical significance of his concept of dignity, aiming for a new dialogue with naturalism.