Disputes of Human Dignity
Natural
law and human dignity go hand in hand. The first principle of natural law is a universal
concept that everyone can understand. It is to pursue good and avoid evil (May,
2013). Defining what is good and what is evil is objectionable in the diverse
world in which we live. Human beings assign themselves virtue according to
their beliefs, culture, morality, and ethics surrounding their society.
However, the fact remains that there are multiple meanings behind dignity and
therefore, disputes among societies. Theological, cultural, constitutional
elements all contribute to how one treats themselves and others with decency. To
have human dignity means to have self-respect, integrity, and a sense of value.
In accordance with natural law, it is entitled to every human being. Human
dignity is an inherent intrinsic value that is in jeopardy of losing its
fundamental meaning because it is dependent on how we treat each other and can
be so easily denied to others.
The
central theme of Catholic health care ministry and Catholic social thought is
the protection and promotion of human dignity (ERD’s, 2018). The principles of
natural law have an impact on contributing to a humane society when they are
understood and applied appropriately. The extrinsic effects of ones’ dignity
depend on the circumstances that guide a persons’ morality.
For
instance, the ancient Greek story of Antigone defined her as a person of virtuous
integrity. Antigone returned to Thebes to prevent the fulfillment of the
prophecy that her brothers would kill each other in a battle for the throne.
When she arrived, she was too late. One of her brothers was declared a traitor
and was not permitted to be buried with honor. After battling with her
conscience, Antigone proceeded to bury her brother and was caught. The ruler
Creon punished her with imprisonment. Antigone claimed that the law of Zeus was
higher than the law of man. She buried her brother with dignity because Divine
law had a greater influence on her decision than the moral law of man although
officials saw it as defiance and dishonorable according to the law.
The
Nuremberg trials that took place after the holocaust are another controversial
dispute. Legally the Nazi’s did nothing wrong, however, their crimes are
claimed to be against humanity. They violated the most important human right by
disregarding the dignity of their prisoners by treating them as mere objects
rather than human beings.
In
Japan, when the elderly require care, it is custom for children to bring them
into their homes and care for them, but in the States, it is a common practice
to put the elderly into nursing homes and cared for in understaffed facilities
that compromise quality care.
When farm animals and household pets
fall ill of disease and nearing death, it is an acceptable norm to euthanize.
Yet, human beings who are sick and suffering with an inevitable death are
denied wishes to end their suffering with euthanasia, especially when palliative
measures are no longer effective. Some argue that animals receive more
compassion than human beings.
Prostitution
is one of the oldest occupations known to man and still quite common today.
Yet, moral norms are questioned and deemed not only illegal in certain
societies but absolutely forbidden in the eyes of the Catholic church (2018).
Depending on the prostitute or perhaps the pole dancer in question, some may
claim that it is a noble way or earning a living. Whereas, onlookers, even most
participators, view it as immoral and undignified to its core but accept it as
reality. Does Maslow’s hierarchy of basic human needs outweigh or replace
dignified actions or occupations?
Human
dignity is a value that has practically become absent in today’s society. The
lack of its presence appears to be threatening moral norms. Human dignity is
complimentary to natural law and ultimately defines us as human beings. It is
our dignity that promotes us to do good. John Paul II reminds us that goodness
of a “moral action” even when the “intention is good” is simply not enough
(Newton, 2014). Not only do our actions have motives, they also have
consequences. The question is, are the moral choices we make guided by moral
judgements that align with our God-given freedom of choice; resulting in truth
and justice. A man’s dignity lies in obeying the laws deep within his
conscience, the voice of reason that tells him to do good and avoid evil
(2013). The language of St. Thomas Aquinas speaks loudly to the effect of human
dignity and its role with morality and ethical thinking. He distinguishes the
difference between the moral and practical principles of natural law; to pursue
good and what that good entails. Aquinas takes it a step farther by implying
that it is a Divine love that fulfills our dignity and by that grace we become
virtuous, flourish and help others find that inherent quality that may have
gotten lost along the way (2013).
Ethical
and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare (2018). United States
Conference
Of Catholic Bishops.
May, W.E.,
(2013). Catholic bioethics and the gift of human life. Our Sunday Visitor. (3)
60-76.
Newton,
W., (2014). John Paul II’s Veritatis splendor: “Teacher, what good must I do to
enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt
19:16)”. Franciscan University of Steubenville.