Human Dignity

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.