In freedom as self-determination, creating your own identity as you subjectively see fi t, there is a correlation with dignity as empowerment. Using Brownsword and Beyleveld’s language, life is not free from tragic choices but it is for the person to make the choice, tragic or otherwise: the value lies in that fact. This compares to Raz’s formulation of the concept. As he expresses it, ‘respecting human dignity entails treating humans as persons capable of planning and plotting their future. Thus respecting people’s dignity includes respecting their autonomy, their right to control their future…’ 1

James Griffi n’s account of human rights identifi es human dignity as the valuable status protected by human rights. 2 Values are implicit in that status, including choosing one’s own course through life; having, at least, certain minimum education, information, chance of knowledge; and being able to follow this through by having enough material provisions of resources and capabilities that it takes. Lastly, pursuing one’s version of the good life must not be stopped by others.