2.3: Human Dignity

Why aren't the kids equal?

The kids aren't equal because one kid can
do things the other kid can't

Thus, not every human being is equal

All people have equal dignity because we all are made in God's image and likeness, and called to the same end goal

"Since something of the glory of God shines on the face of every person, the dignity of every person before God is the basis of the dignity of man before other men."

God
Angels
Human beings
Animals
Plants
Objects

There is a hierarchy of being that consists of...

Utilitarianism

it is a theory of ethics that holds that the moral (or "good") course of action in any given situation is the one that has the greatest good for the great good for the number of people.

In a utilitarian society, the person exists for the good of another, or the good of society, for the good of the majority. People are valuable and useful only insofar as the can serve or contribute to the greater society in some way.

The Personalistic Norm

It holds that a person with equal dignity is not to be a "means to an end," but rather he/she is to be given the freedom, respect, and love he/she is due.

God created you and then handed you over to yourself.

"A person is a good towrds which the only proper and adequate attitude is love."
- St. John Paul II

What it means to love

"To love" is something you do

"To love" is to will the good of the other as other.