Anchor Concept: HUMAN DIGNITY
(PDF File)

HUMAN DIGNITY

The concept of human dignity is the pillar upon which all social justice efforts are based. The human person, fashioned in God's image, has inherent rights and responsibilities, which demand recognition. Respect for all human life, the ability to make free decisions and quality of life, are important elements of human dignity. Humans have dignity because their end or purpose, the knowledge and love of God, stands on its own and is not just a means to something else. This distinguishes us from all other animals: we are able to know God, and respond to God, and that is the point of the whole created universe. Made in the image and likeness of God, all persons are sacred,. People do not lose this dignity because of gender, disability, poverty, age, misadventure and misfortune.

Related Concepts:

LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR
RESPECT FOR LIFE
QUALITY OF LIFE
HUMAN RIGHTS AND DUTIES
EQUALITY AND EQUITY
DIVERSITY
SOLIDARITY
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR
EDUCATION
ANTI-RACISM
ANTI-SEXISM
UNDERSTANDING
COOPERATION
SERVICE
WORK

Corresponding Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:
CGE1d Develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good;
CGE1e Speaks the language of life... "recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it." (Witnesses to Faith)
CGE1h Respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will.
CGE2c Presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others.
CGE2e Uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life.
CGE5e Respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others.
CGE5f Exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals
CGE6a Relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner.
CGE7d Promotes the sacredness of life.
CGE7e Witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just peaceful and compassionate society.
CGE7f Respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world's peoples and cultures.
CGE7g Respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today's contemporary society.