Meaning of dignity (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Dignity:

Dignity indicates the respect and esteem that all human beings deserve and is affirmed of those who possess an irreproachable level of human quality.

Dignity is the dignified quality that means valuable, honorable, deserving, and the term dignity derives from the Latin word dignitas .

In the Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, he speaks of the "intrinsic dignity (…) of all members of the human family", and then states in his article 1 that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. "

Human dignity, therefore, is innate, positive and fosters the feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction, reinforcing the personality. Slavery, for example, is the opposite of dignity since people are not treated as such or as worthy, since the slave is not considered a human person, but an object.

Dignity is also the respect and esteem that a thing or an action deserves. It is an excellence, an enhancement of that thing or action.

There is talk of dignity if the people in their way of behaving do so with gravity, decency, chivalry, nobility, decorum, loyalty, generosity, nobility and pride. For example, when it comes to fulfilling commitments, dignity refers to formality, honesty and honor of people.

In terms of excellence, 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. People holding that position or position are also named that way, being representatives and holders of a distinction, being dignities or dignitaries.

Types of dignity

In philosophy, dignity is divided into 3 types, being:

• Ontological dignity or human dignity: it is with which all humans are born. Moral dignity: it is related to the moral of people and their behavior in society. Real dignity: is that which is received by 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 he is a rational being who 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.

Moral dignity

Moral dignity refers to the dignity of people as a moral fact. This means that it is a value proper to the human being within society and is the right thing to do.

Moral dignity, therefore, is reflected in the behaviors that the person exercises according to his morality, which society accepts or rejects.

In this sense, moral dignity must be reflected in all areas of society as a role model, custom or tradition to follow. In this way, moral dignity is transformed into social dignity.

Personal dignity

Personal dignity is based on respect and esteem that a person has of himself and is deserving of that respect for others because we all deserve respect regardless of how we are.

The personal dignity acquired by the treatment received from others is also called real dignity.

When we recognize each person's differences and tolerate those differences, the person can feel worthy, honorable, free, and proud to be who they are.

Christian dignity

In Christian theology, man, being a creature of God, possesses 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 able to freely know and love his own creator.

Thus, man is not only something, but someone capable of knowing himself, of freely giving himself and of entering into communion with God and other people.

Phrases of dignity

• “Dignity does not consist in having honors, but in deserving them. Aristotle "I loved him until my dignity said: it's not that bad". Frida Kahlo "There are defeats that have more dignity than victory." Jorge Luis Borges