Human dignity

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Human dignity is an expression that can be used as a moral concept or as a legal term. Sometimes it means no more than that human beings should not be treated as objects. Beyond this, it is meant to convey an idea of absolute and inherent worth that does not need to be acquired and cannot be lost or sold. In Immanuel Kant's philosophy, the claim is made that rational beings have an intrinsic and absolute value, which is referred to as dignity.

The idea is in some ways controversial, mainly in regard to the question of whether it also applies to human embryos or non-human beings and if not, why. Utilitarian philosophers see a conflict with their principle of equal consideration of interests, and sometimes the idea is criticised as an example of speciesism.

Human dignity features as a core principle in many modern constitutions. Perhaps the most prominent occurrence is article 1, paragraph 1 of Germany's constitution: "Human dignity is inviolable. To respect and to protect it is the duty of all state authority." This is generally seen as a reaction to the Nazi regime's complete disregard of human dignity.