REFLECTION (Human Dignity)

The concept of Human Dignity is a core principle of Catholic social thought, dignity,
recognizes the collective needs, conditions and experiences that all persons require to flourish
to lead a genuinely human life and to envision a common good it encompasses shared values,
such as respect for life, freedom, solidarity, equality, and justice. Human dignity is not just a
religious standard; it also figured prominently in cross-cultural discourse about human rights,
law, international development, and more. Respect and protection of the dignity of all people lies
at the heart of the common good. Dignity has a for-fold meaning in Catholic tradition. It is an
affirmation of inherent human worth, a consequence of choices and circumstances, a moral
measure; and the shorthand for Christian beliefs and attitudes about the human person. First
affirmation, human beings, have inherent dignity, and they have it universally and irrevocably by
virtue of being human and a child of God. Everyone and anyone has dignity and is worthy of
respect. Secondly, dignity is a quality of life link to the consequences of behavior, how we
choose to live, our lives can either diminish or enhance our dignity so even the dignity is
inherent a person may not be living in a manner that is consistent with their inherent dignity.
Third, dignity is a moral measure to evaluate how actions, relationships, institutions and social
conditions align with or violate our own dignity, and the dignity of others, particularly those who
are the most socially vulnerable. Lastly, as a concept, human dignity provide to shorthand for a
range of Christian beliefs and attitudes. Such as the affirmation, that our embodiment is good
and morally significant, and that we are social creatures meant to be together in a community.

One of the examples of social issues that are evident in our society that violates human
dignity is discrimination, in all its possible forms and expressions it is one of the most common
forms of human rights violations and abuse. It affects millions of people everyday and it is one of
the most difficult to recognize. Another example is Extra judicial killing - killing a person without
due process of law, it is stated in 1987 Philippine constitution sec 5 - the protection of life, liberty
and property. Just because they committed a crime instead of serving their judgment in jail
facilities, what the government did was they used extra judicial killing to reduce the number of
people who commit crimes, and this is what they called the oplan tokhang. The principle of
human dignity has religious, as well as ethical, legal and political foundations, human dignity,
figures prominently in Catholic moral reflection on healthcare, sexual ethics, criminal justice,
immigration, the economy and other moral matters. It is also the foundation of the universal
declaration of human rights that all people of all nations have fundamental rights and freedoms,
such as the right to fair employment, education, housing and healthcare, freedom of religion and
equal protection under the law.

While the concept of human dignity is used to cross professions around the globe, some
critics find it too vague and too malleable to be truly helpful when it comes to making moral
political and policy decisions. Our shared humanity should not be underestimated, even with our
differences, we human beings do share significant needs (like food and shelter) capacities (like
communication and creativity) and experiences (like aging and friendship), and in catholic
teaching, this shared humanity can inform our Moral commitment to value everyone. Our dignity
is only fully realized, and enjoyed in the common good in a community where all persons
flourish because of this interdependent violations of dignity not only affect those who suffer
them, but also those who inflict the suffering human dignity. An important element in catholic
teaching, and practice is not simply a set instead of guidelines about human work for a
statement of what a human is it, is a bridge to other faith, traditions, and secular efforts for
making moral decisions, and it is a commitment to preserve, defend an advocate for the
equality, and flourishing at all human beings.

QUESTIONS

TEST1
1. Draw a symbol/thing that represents Human Dignity then explain why.

TEST2
1. Give one example that creates a serious threat to human dignity in the world today.
2. What action, attitude or practices can you commit yourself to that will promote respect and
dignity?