HUMAN DIGNITY: A PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

We all use the term “human dignity” both often and gladly. This term exists also
in legislation, such as declarations and constitutions of some countries,
beginning from UNESCO, WHO, Council of Europe, and they all have the same
inspiration to achieve the same goal: protection of human dignity. Human dignity
seems as a principle connected with the protection of life itself, protection of
health, and is also connected with research. But, today it is far more difficult to
determine the meaning of this term and on what grounds it is based. Is human
dignity something objective or is it grounded on cultural values that vary
throughout history?
Is the primary finding of human dignity in its self-determination against the
power of the community, i.e. state? What do philosophy, and Christian theology
have to say on dignity and what are the bioethical implications of our time?
The author first introduces us to the development of the meaning of the term
“human dignity”, starting from the pre-Christian time, through the Christian
perception of person and one’s dignity, philosophical notion and grounds of
human dignity, to then give the idea of dignity according to bioethical standards.
Key-words: Dignity, Interpretation of the Bible, Christian ethics, Kantism,
Philosophical foundations, Social control over science, Genetic engineering.