What is Dignity:
Dignity indicates the respect and esteem that all human beings deserve and is affirmed from those who possess an irreproachable level of human quality.
Dignity is the quality of worthy that means valuable, with honor, deserving and the term dignity derives from the Latin word worthy.
In the Preamble of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights it speaks of the “intrinsic dignity (…) of all members of the human family”, and then states in its article 1 that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
Human dignity, therefore, is innate, positive and fosters a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, reinforcing personality. Slavery, for example, is the opposite of dignity since people are not treated as such or as worthy, and the slave is not considered a human person, but rather an object.
Dignity is also the respect and esteem that a thing or action deserves. It is an excellence, an enhancement of that thing or action.
We speak of dignity if people, in their way of behaving, do so with gravity, decency, chivalry, nobility, decorum, loyalty, generosity, nobility and honor. For example, when it comes to fulfilling commitments, dignity refers to formality, honesty and the honor of people.
In terms of excellences, dignity is an honorary position or a position of great authority, prestige and honor, for example, political positions, such as the position of King, president or emperor. The people who occupy that position or position are also called this way, being representatives and holders of a distinction, being dignities or dignitaries.
Types of dignity
In philosophy, dignity is divided into 3 types:
Ontological dignity or human dignity: is what all humans are born with.
Moral dignity: It is related to the morality of people and their behavior in society.
royal dignity: is that which is received from others.
Human dignity
Human dignity is a value and an innate, inviolable and intangible right of the person, it is a fundamental right and it is the inherent value of the human being because it is a rational being that has freedom and is capable of creating things.
The claim that all people are born with dignity is a type of ontological dignity.
This means that all human beings can shape, change and improve their lives by exercising their freedom and by making decisions to live with dignity.
See also Value.
Moral dignity
Moral dignity refers to the dignity of people as a moral fact. This means that it is a value inherent to human beings within society and it is the right thing to do.
Moral dignity, therefore, is reflected in the behaviors that the person exercises according to their morality, which society accepts or rejects.
In this sense, moral dignity must be reflected in all areas of society as a model of conduct, custom or tradition to follow. In this way, moral dignity is transformed into social dignity.
See also Morality.
personal dignity
Personal dignity is based on the respect and esteem that a person has for himself and is deserving of that respect from others because we all deserve respect no matter what we are like.
The personal dignity acquired through the treatment received from others also called royal dignity.
When we recognize the differences of each person and tolerate those differences, the person can feel worthy, with honor, free and proud of being who they are.
See also Pride.
Christian dignity
In Christian theology, man, being a creature of God, has dignity. In this sense and according to the catechism of the Catholic Church, man has been created in the image of God, in the sense that he is capable of freely knowing and loving his own creator.
Thus, man is not only something, but someone capable of knowing himself, of giving himself freely and of entering into communion with God and other people.
Phrases of dignity
“Dignity does not consist of having honors, but of deserving them. Aristotle “I wanted it until my dignity said: it’s not a big deal.” Frida Kahlo“There are defeats that have more dignity than victory.” Jorge Luis Borges