Professor
Course
Date
Human Dignity
Human dignity is the personal view of personal respect and self-worth. It is a vital human right and all other human rights obtain meaning from human dignity. It does not depend on age or other social issues and must be upheld in all situations (Fukuyama, 147). Certain conditions such as poverty and oppression compromise the dignity of humanity. Dignity gives human beings express right to respect, a high degree of significance and ethical treatment. The violation of human dignity is often perceived as a breach of human rights and occurs in ways such as dehumanization and humiliation (Nick, 208). The act of degrading and objectifying people is also a compromise on their dignity. The provisions of the mechanisms of human rights have no holding ground without dignity since it is in itself a fundamental human right. The international human rights framework undertakes to ensure utmost respect and protection of human dignity through upholding it even in instances that involve human rights restrictions. The Catholic Social Teaching (CST) holds that people were created in the image of God and therefore possess great value and dignity since human life is sacred (Fukuyama, 148). The dignity of humanity must be upheld, and no individual should be looked down upon due to their culture, beliefs or economic condition.
Fukuyama examines the principle of human nature in a scientific and philosophical point of view. Human dignity which he terms as “factor X” is the particular element that differentiates people from other living things. He states that factor x calls for equal treatment and respect of all the human race. Factor X constitutes elements and variables resulting from humans need to be, moral values they relate to and experiences from various emotions. These items are of great significance, and they make individuals being. The human nature grants beings the ability to make prudent decisions and strategic choices. Fukuyama argues that the elderly and the very young lack this ability and are therefore less human. He states that “While human reason and moral choice may be perceived by many as the distinct significant human feature that gives individuals dignity, I would assert that possessing a broad range of human emotions is also important” (Barrios, 184). Emotional experiences have effects on dignity and these emotions bring out the human nature in individuals.
Fukuyama holds that machines are not human since they do not possess factor X. They do not maintain the feeling of human and sensory input (Barrios, 185). However, his argument that any being that does not feel or lacks sensory input is inhuman seems to characterize individuals with certain disabilities as inhuman. For instance, going by his statement the blind that lack the sense of sight and the deaf who cannot hear are less human. Human dignity nevertheless must be upheld in spite of an individual’s inability. He states that equality recognition is that factor X, is the quality human worthy of respect that remains when a person is stripped off their contingent and accidental features (Barrios, 186).
He refers to a person’s skin color, gender and economic well-being as birth faults that are inessential in matters about human dignity. Creatures with factor X are granted not only human but also political rights in the case of adults. Fukuyama asserts that Factor X is the unique element that makes beings human (Barrios 186-187). By this element, people have value and cannot be disregarded as objects. According to him, people need not be similar to have rights but must possess a same critical respect for them to have equal rights (Barrios, 189). For instance, if dignity were accorded depending on human nature then some individuals like gays would be deemed to lack dignity due to their sexual orientation. However, they have equal rights and have a dignity that must be upheld by being human beings. Being human gives them the similar respect to others irrespective of their sexuality.
Fukuyama states that the reasons for the persistence of equality of human dignity are the force of habit and the essence of nature. Initially, people were denied dignity due to lack of moral order a constituent of human nature. All elements that make up human dignity must exist in unison. Factor X gives people the rights of respect irrespective of their different individual features like culture and social class. According to Fukuyama, the human desire for equality recognition is not driven by monetary needs nor the search for economic welfare but rather by the necessity of respect that persons perceive to deserve. In the past, only people in authority and high ranks sought for recognition, but that has since changed. Therefore, the quest for equal recognition can be perceived as an element of the modern society. In this regard, human beings understand that they cannot seek equal attention in comparison with other people’s talents and working faculties. They recognize that differences brought about by issues such as earnings received by the skills are imminent. Human beings seek equal recognition, treatment, and respect (Barrios, 186). Fukuyama, however, disputes the manner in which resources are distributed among people. He alludes to the unequal distribution which Madison says is based on the diverse faculties and potential in acquiring property (Barrios, 186). He consents to the acceptance of differences in colors, origin, gender and cultures.
According to Fukuyama, factor X initially was possessed by a talented group of individuals exclusive of those with lower social class, intelligence and birth defects. This included other elements that made up features in human beings that were perceived to be a deviation from the norms. Some of the subsets were deemed to possess more or less of factor X based on their authority in society and the economic well-being. Factor X revolves around the human race and calls for the universal respect of all that make up the human group (Barrios, 186). Fukuyama states that Christians believe that factor X originated from God since people were created in his likeness and are said to be a replica of his image. This, therefore, asserts the sanctity of human life and the level of respect that should be accorded to human creatures by possession of factor x as compared to other living things.
However, it does not mean that individuals who do not believe in God have a less share of dignity. People differ in religious beliefs, intelligence, and other social elements, but they all deserve equal recognition and universal respect by being human. This, therefore, shows that whether one has so much faith in God or not he/she has dignity just like any other being. Fukuyama alludes to Kant, who argues that human beings possess dignity due to their free will and ability to go beyond subjective determination and standard casual rules. Kant states that “people should be treated as ends and not means” (Barrios, 187). Kant settles at this conclusion due to the existence of free will. However, Fukuyama argues that scientists would be opposed to the presence of free will and instead perceive it as an illusion that is not associated with dignity and that human beings make decisions based on material aspects and benefits that accrue from them. According to Fukuyama Kant’s perception of human dignity has a sense of dualism that encompasses human freedom distinct from nature that is not dependent on free will.
I agree with Fukuyama’s opinion and belief of what human dignity entails. I am of the view that human dignity should be upheld irrespective of any constraints. An individual’s race, ethnicity or economic well-being should not influence the manner in which respect is accorded to human beings. Additionally, I contend with him that factor X is the differentiating element between humankind and other living creatures. This component contributes immensely to people’s ability to make thoughtful and strategic choices in day to day life. Any acts that compromise human dignities such as dehumanization and humiliation are indeed a breach of the rights of individuals and should be punishable by law. I also agree with Fukuyama on the fact that Christians believe the origin of factor X to be God, does not warrant that persons who do not believe in God are lesser beings. They are people by the universal respect that they too were created by the same God and that their life is also sacred. I am of the view that the dignity of human beings should be upheld, and universal respect should be accorded to them.
Works Cited
Bostrom, Nick. “In defense of posthuman dignity.” Bioethics 19.3 (2005): 202-214.
Fukuyama, Francis. Our posthuman future: Consequences of the biotechnology revolution. Macmillan, 2003.
First and Last Name
Professor
Course
Date
Human Dignity
Human dignity is the personal view of personal respect and self-worth. It is a vital human right and all other human rights obtain meaning from human dignity. It does not depend on age or other social issues and must be upheld in all situations (Fukuyama, 147). Certain conditions such as poverty and oppression compromise the dignity of humanity. Dignity gives human beings express right to respect, a high degree of significance and ethical treatment. The violation of human dignity is often perceived as a breach of human rights and occurs in ways such as dehumanization and humiliation (Nick, 208). The act of degrading and objectifying people is also a compromise on their dignity. The provisions of the mechanisms of human rights have no holding ground without dignity since it is in itself a fundamental human right. The international human rights framework undertakes to ensure utmost respect and protection of human dignity through upholding it even in instances that involve human rights restrictions. The Catholic Social Teaching (CST) holds that people were created in the image of God and therefore possess great value and dignity since human life is sacred (Fukuyama, 148). The dignity of humanity must be upheld, and no individual should be looked down upon due to their culture, beliefs or economic condition.
Fukuyama examines the principle of human nature in a scientific and philosophical point of view. Human dignity which he terms as “factor X” is the particular element that differentiates people from other living things. He states that factor x calls for equal treatment and respect of all the human race. Factor X constitutes elements and variables resulting from humans need to be, moral values they relate to and experiences from various emotions. These items are of great significance, and they make individuals being. The human nature grants beings the ability to make prudent decisions and strategic choices. Fukuyama argues that the elderly and the very young lack this ability and are therefore less human. He states that “While human reason and moral choice may be perceived by many as the distinct significant human feature that gives individuals dignity, I would assert that possessing a broad range of human emotions is also important” (Barrios, 184). Emotional experiences have effects on dignity and these emotions bring out the human nature in individuals.
Fukuyama holds that machines are not human since they do not possess factor X. They do not maintain the feeling of human and sensory input (Barrios, 185). However, his argument that any being that does not feel or lacks sensory input is inhuman seems to characterize individuals with certain disabilities as inhuman. For instance, going by his statement the blind that lack the sense of sight and the deaf who cannot hear are less human. Human dignity nevertheless must be upheld in spite of an individual’s inability. He states that equality recognition is that factor X, is the quality human worthy of respect that remains when a person is stripped off their contingent and accidental features (Barrios, 186).
He refers to a person’s skin color, gender and economic well-being as birth faults that are inessential in matters about human dignity. Creatures with factor X are granted not only human but also political rights in the case of adults. Fukuyama asserts that Factor X is the unique element that makes beings human (Barrios 186-187). By this element, people have value and cannot be disregarded as objects. According to him, people need not be similar to have rights but must possess a same critical respect for them to have equal rights (Barrios, 189). For instance, if dignity were accorded depending on human nature then some individuals like gays would be deemed to lack dignity due to their sexual orientation. However, they have equal rights and have a dignity that must be upheld by being human beings. Being human gives them the similar respect to others irrespective of their sexuality.
Fukuyama states that the reasons for the persistence of equality of human dignity are the force of habit and the essence of nature. Initially, people were denied dignity due to lack of moral order a constituent of human nature. All elements that make up human dignity must exist in unison. Factor X gives people the rights of respect irrespective of their different individual features like culture and social class. According to Fukuyama, the human desire for equality recognition is not driven by monetary needs nor the search for economic welfare but rather by the necessity of respect that persons perceive to deserve. In the past, only people in authority and high ranks sought for recognition, but that has since changed. Therefore, the quest for equal recognition can be perceived as an element of the modern society. In this regard, human beings understand that they cannot seek equal attention in comparison with other people’s talents and working faculties. They recognize that differences brought about by issues such as earnings received by the skills are imminent. Human beings seek equal recognition, treatment, and respect (Barrios, 186). Fukuyama, however, disputes the manner in which resources are distributed among people. He alludes to the unequal distribution which Madison says is based on the diverse faculties and potential in acquiring property (Barrios, 186). He consents to the acceptance of differences in colors, origin, gender and cultures.
According to Fukuyama, factor X initially was possessed by a talented group of individuals exclusive of those with lower social class, intelligence and birth defects. This included other elements that made up features in human beings that were perceived to be a deviation from the norms. Some of the subsets were deemed to possess more or less of factor X based on their authority in society and the economic well-being. Factor X revolves around the human race and calls for the universal respect of all that make up the human group (Barrios, 186). Fukuyama states that Christians believe that factor X originated from God since people were created in his likeness and are said to be a replica of his image. This, therefore, asserts the sanctity of human life and the level of respect that should be accorded to human creatures by possession of factor x as compared to other living things.
However, it does not mean that individuals who do not believe in God have a less share of dignity. People differ in religious beliefs, intelligence, and other social elements, but they all deserve equal recognition and universal respect by being human. This, therefore, shows that whether one has so much faith in God or not he/she has dignity just like any other being. Fukuyama alludes to Kant, who argues that human beings possess dignity due to their free will and ability to go beyond subjective determination and standard casual rules. Kant states that “people should be treated as ends and not means” (Barrios, 187). Kant settles at this conclusion due to the existence of free will. However, Fukuyama argues that scientists would be opposed to the presence of free will and instead perceive it as an illusion that is not associated with dignity and that human beings make decisions based on material aspects and benefits that accrue from them. According to Fukuyama Kant’s perception of human dignity has a sense of dualism that encompasses human freedom distinct from nature that is not dependent on free will.
I agree with Fukuyama’s opinion and belief of what human dignity entails. I am of the view that human dignity should be upheld irrespective of any constraints. An individual’s race, ethnicity or economic well-being should not influence the manner in which respect is accorded to human beings. Additionally, I contend with him that factor X is the differentiating element between humankind and other living creatures. This component contributes immensely to people’s ability to make thoughtful and strategic choices in day to day life. Any acts that compromise human dignities such as dehumanization and humiliation are indeed a breach of the rights of individuals and should be punishable by law. I also agree with Fukuyama on the fact that Christians believe the origin of factor X to be God, does not warrant that persons who do not believe in God are lesser beings. They are people by the universal respect that they too were created by the same God and that their life is also sacred. I am of the view that the dignity of human beings should be upheld, and universal respect should be accorded to them.
Works Cited
Bostrom, Nick. “In defense of posthuman dignity.” Bioethics 19.3 (2005): 202-214.
Fukuyama, Francis. Our posthuman future: Consequences of the biotechnology revolution. Macmillan, 2003.
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.
You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.
Read moreEach paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.
Read moreThanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.
Read moreYour email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.
Read moreBy sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.
Read more