Abstract
The central role of human dignity in ethics and law stands in striking contrast
to the disagreement regarding the meaning and normative content of this concept.
Each competing theory of human dignity also has serious problems. Against
the background of this situation, the meaning-oriented theory of human dignity
suggests a new understanding that can integrate a number of conceptions of human
dignity and resolve their theoretical problems. According to this new theory, respect
for human dignity consists in respect for human beings as beings that confer meaning
and need meaning. The integrative and problem-solving power of this new approach is demonstrated here by examining two lines of theory: on the one hand, the Kantian
tradition of an autonomy-oriented understanding of human dignity, and on the other
hand, a theory that focuses on individual identity and protection against humiliation.