Whose Dignity? How to Enjoy?——An Interpretation of a Concept Based on the Context of Ancient Roma

【摘要】 Dignity and Human Rights are recognized as two principles that coordinate with each other.However,it is an invention of modern people to set dignity as the basis of human rights from a genealogical point of view.In the classical context,dignity was represented as a political value,honoring excellence in public service.As a reward and return for political services,dignity holders were entitled to be recognized by the state and treated with appropriate courtesy and respect.There are two ways to get dignity, "bestowed in advance" and "awarded afterwards." The former was bestowed by a noble bloodline,while the latter was a reward for eminent military achievements or outstanding performance in normal state governance.In any case,dignity is defined in a differential pattern.It is quite different from the value of Equality for All in dignity,which is emphasized in modern society.In ancient Rome,as a tribute to moral excellence,dignity also required the taming and control ofphysical desire,so the value of dignity did not honor the natural rights of each human being,but rather the high rank and strong obligation of the excellent.更多还原

【Abstract】 Dignity and Human Rights are recognized as two principles that coordinate with each other.However,it is an invention of modern people to set dignity as the basis of human rights from a genealogical point of view.In the classical context,dignity was represented as a political value,honoring excellence in public service.As a reward and return for political services,dignity holders were entitled to be recognized by the state and treated with appropriate courtesy and respect.There are two ways to get dignity, "bestowed in advance" and "awarded afterwards." The former was bestowed by a noble bloodline,while the latter was a reward for eminent military achievements or outstanding performance in normal state governance.In any case,dignity is defined in a differential pattern.It is quite different from the value of Equality for All in dignity,which is emphasized in modern society.In ancient Rome,as a tribute to moral excellence,dignity also required the taming and control ofphysical desire,so the value of dignity did not honor the natural rights of each human being,but rather the high rank and strong obligation of the excellent.更多还原