HUMAN DIGNITY: PHILOSOPHICAL AND LEGAL UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

The article is devoted to the philosophical and legal understanding of the category “human dignity”, which encompasses ethical, social, political, and legal dimensions. It is established that in the philosophy of law, the concept of dignity is considered not only as an internal moral feeling or social value but also as a fundamental principle ensuring personal autonomy and freedom. According to the theory of “communicative action” by contemporary German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas, human dignity is the highest moral and legal value underpinning democratic society. It serves as a principle that ensures equal treatment of every individual, regardless of their origin, beliefs, or social status. In the legal aspect human dignity is a fundamental category enshrined in international instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. Particular attention is paid to the historical context of understanding dignity, starting with ancient thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas, and ending with modern legal scholars. The influence of natural law views, particularly those of John Locke, on contemporary international legal documents that protect human rights, including the right to dignity, is analyzed. It is revealed that recent publications emphasize the need to reconsider human dignity in light of globalization processes, especially in the context of modern challenges such as the Russian-Ukrainian war and human rights violations in Ukraine. The article highlights that due to differing methodological approaches to understanding human dignity by philosophers and legal scholars, researchers’ attention can focus on aspects such as human autonomy, aesthetic quality, and the universal right to equality. The article examines the content of individual characteristics that define the concept of “human dignity”, including autonomy, equality, the right to protection from cruel treatment and discrimination, as well as the right to participate in political and social processes. Within these characteristics, dignity is considered not only as a moral category but also as a basis for ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the right to life, liberty, and access to education, healthcare, and social protection. Towards the end of the study, attention is drawn to the importance of protecting human dignity in the context of digital technologies and globalization, which raise new questions about ensuring the right to dignity on the Internet and combating cyberbullying. The author also points to the expanding understanding of dignity, particularly through inclusivity and equality, which is especially relevant for protecting minority rights in the face of modern social and political challenges. Thus, the article offers a comprehensive understanding of the category of human dignity, combining philosophical and legal aspects and emphasizing its importance in the context of contemporary global changes.