ABSTRACT

This chapter relies on a Kantian approach and discourse-ethical version of Critical Theory to consider how a plurality of perspectives on human dignity may contribute to the justification of human rights. It introduces a variety of positions worldwide with their respective challenges and contributions to human rights. The chapter shows various religious, moral, political, and legal perspectives on human dignity. It argues that the missing link between human dignity and human rights is provided by human duties that prompt us to act and establish new practices and institutions. The main challenge to philosophical justifications of human rights is to find a way of affirming the compatibility between plural contexts and universally acceptable norms without falling into the extremes of foundationalism or reductionism. Theologically, the reference to human dignity is generally supported on revelation, but this recourse to metaphysics can be criticized as foundationalism.