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The concept of Human Dignity is a core principle
of Catholic social thought.
Dignity recognizes the collective needs, conditions, and experiences that all persons require to
flourish, to lead a genuinely human life, and to envision a common good.
It encompasses shared values such as respect for life, freedom, solidarity, equality and
justice.
Human Dignity is not just a religious standard; it also figures prominently in cross-cultural
discourse about human rights, law, international development, and more.
Respect for and protection of the dignity of all people lies at the heart of the common
good.
Dignity has a four-fold meaning in Catholic tradition: it is an affirmation of inherent
human worth, a consequence of choices and circumstances, a moral measure; and a shorthand
for Christian beliefs and attitudes about the human person.
First Affirmation.
Human beings have inherent dignity, and they have it universally and irrevocably by virtue
of being human and a child of God.
Everyone and anyone has dignity and is worthy of respect.
Secondly, dignity is a quality of life linked to the consequences of behavior.
How we choose to live our lives can either diminish or enhance our dignity.
So, even though dignity is inherent, a person may not be living in a manner that is consistent
with their inherent dignity.
Third, dignity is a moral measure to evaluate how actions, relationships, institutions and
social conditions align with or violate our own dignity, and the dignity of others, particularly
those who are the most socially vulnerable.
Finally, as a concept, human dignity provides a shorthand for a range of Christian beliefs
and attitudes.
Such as the affirmation that our embodiment is good and morally significant and that we
are social creatures meant to be together in a community.
The principle of human dignity has religious, as well as ethical, legal and political foundations.
Human dignity figures prominently in Catholic moral reflection on health care, sexual ethics,
criminal justice, immigration, the economy, and other moral matters.
It is also the foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Adopted by the United Nations after World War 2, this statement asserts that all people
of all nations have fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the right to fair employment,
education, housing and health care; freedom of religion; and equal protection under the
law.
While the concept of human dignity is used across professions and around the globe, some
critics find it too vague and too malleable to be truly helpful when it comes to making
moral, political and policy decisions.
Others say the concept of human dignity is too closely connected with Christian or Western
belief systems and doesn't take other ideas and perspectives into account.
Using it to guide policies on international law or economic development amounts to the
imposition of select religious and cultural values on entire populations whose own world
views are different.
However, our shared humanity should not be underestimated.
Even with our differences, we human beings do share significant needs (like food and
shelter), capacities (like communication and creativity), and experiences (like aging and
friendship).
And in Catholic teaching, this shared humanity can inform our moral commitment to value every
one.
Our dignity is only fully realized and enjoyed in the common good in a community where all
persons flourish.
Because of this interdependence, violations of dignity not only affect those who suffer
them, but also those who inflict the suffering.
Human Dignity, an important element in Catholic teaching and practice, is not simply a set
of guidelines about human worth or a statement of what a human is.
It is a bridge to other faith traditions and secular efforts for making moral decisions.
And, it is a commitment to preserve, defend, and advocate for the equality and flourishing
of all human beings.
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