Abstract

AGUIRRE-PABON, Javier Orlando. DIGNITY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND KANT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY. Vniversitas [online]. 2011, n.123, pp.45-74. ISSN 0041-9060.

In my paper I offer an integrated interpretation of the textual meaning that the term "dignity" has within Kant's Practical Philosophy. My claim is that Kant's notion of dignity is, in fact, a socio-political and legal notion. This meaning refers to the idea of an office, a rank and, particularly, a legal title of nobility or honor. My article is presented in three steps. First, I present the notion of human dignity as it has been developed by the human rights' discourse. Second, I expound the notion of dignity as it is presented in Kant's practical philosophy. I will mainly analyze the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, the Critique of the Practical Reason and the Metaphysics of Morals, both the Doctrine of Right and the Doctrine 'of Virtue. Finally, I will draw some conclusions from all of the above.

Keywords : Kant; human dignity; practical philosophy; human rights.

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