ABSTRACT

This chapter examines fundamental core principles that appear to underpin social work or the telos of social work practice. As the social worker explores the principles of human rights and dignity and social justice (the knowledge theme for the chapter), he/she will also be reminded about the virtue of empathy and skill of self-awareness. The first principle listed in the IFSW Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles is ‘human rights and human dignity’. Social justice is the newest principle in social work codes, having only recently appeared on an equal footing with respect for human dignity and worth and the virtuous character traits such as integrity. A commitment to human rights and human dignity, and to social justice, is needed if social work is to become empowered to act in partnership with disadvantaged peoples to fight for globalisation from below.