It corresponds to deal with a topic of interest to those who have high esteem and respect. That it can be interesting and educational to be able to understand and find the meaning of dignity. Word that perhaps you take for granted that you know and understand, but today we will show you that it can be more than you think. If you have reached this post, I invite you to get comfortable, because I am going to explain, define and exemplify what dignity is.
Dignity indicates the respect and esteem that all individuals belonging to a society (See, humanity in general) deserve and confirm that they have a certain degree of irreproachable human quality. Dignity can be understood as the quality of being worthy. That in simpler words to understand, means valuable, deserving or that has honor.
The written origin of the word, like many of the modern Spanish language, derives from Latin, being more specific from the word “dignitas”. Which comes to mean exactly the same thing.
As surely many of you know, there is the universal declaration of human rights, the one that was established in 1948. Said universal declaration expresses in its preamble the following, “The intrinsic dignity of all the members of a human family group”. So that later in article number one of the declaration, they affirm that, “all people are born free and identical in terms of rights and dignity.”
Taking into account all that has been said, it is noted that dignity is innate and a positive feeling in charge of promoting the satisfaction and fulfillment of each individual. Strengthening the personality. Thus being its counterpart, slavery (which we will develop and define later).
What is slavery and what does it have to do with dignity?
There really is no relationship between the two terms. So it would be wrong to consider it a simile. However, what can be mentioned and that we must take into account is that slavery is the opposite of dignity. Well, in ancient times, those considered slaves were not considered human beings at the same level as the normal population. And any right or will to oppose their master (or anyone with a higher status) was revoked. Reason why it is historically narrated how the slaves were subjected to carrying out activities that were not at all worthy or to which they had any consideration.
To give you an idea, slaves were nothing more than mere objects for their owners. Forced to only obey and carry out the demands that it dictates.
A noble and educated person, he is a dignified person.
One can also speak of dignity when an individual behaves in an honorable, respectful, chivalrous, polite, decent, or generous manner. See when a commitment or assigned task is going to be fulfilled.
With that in mind it is acceptable to recognize dignity as formality. Hence, expressions such as… “What a dignified woman is the queen” are born. And taking advantage of this example, if we talk about excellence. Dignity is also an honorary position (or position of high rank).
That person who holds a prestigious position is worthy, such as an emperor, politician, presidency or, as the example we previously cited, a member of royalty. In itself, when dignity is used to refer to an individual, what it does illusion is his prestige, formality or appearance.
Know the different types that exist.
For those who study philosophy, they must know that dignity is perceived within three types. Which we will develop below and explain what they mean:
- Ontological dignity or human dignity. In human terms, dignity is considered an innate and inviolable value of every human being. It is a fundamental right that gives value to each person for the simple fact of being a rational being who has freedom from birth. In addition to being a living being capable of creating and contributing to the evolution of our species.
- Personal Dignity. This alludes to the respect, love and admiration that we should have towards our own being. Which makes us deserving of said respect regardless of talents or talents. It is somewhat of a law to respect everyone no matter what, and that includes respecting ourselves.
- Moral dignity. It is interpreted as a value of the human being within society, knowing that this is correct.