Human Dignity and Social Justice

Human dignity is the moral heart of justice, according to Pablo Gilabert's book Human Dignity and Human Rights (OUP 2019). It extends the dignitarian approach to more ambitious claims of maximal dignity and focuses on the just organization of working practices. The Abilities/Needs Principle yields reasonable and feasible requirements on social cooperation to empower each human being to lead a flourishing life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Human dignity is a concept that is invoked by social movements, enshrined in several national constitutions, and prominently featured in international human rights documents. However, its definition, significance, and relationship to human rights and social justice remain subject to debate. In his book "Human Dignity and Human Rights," Pablo Gilabert presents a comprehensive defense of the view that human dignity is the moral heart of justice.

Gilabert's account of human dignity in the context of human rights discourse covers the most urgent and fundamental claims of dignity. He argues that human dignity is not merely a moral concept but a fundamental aspect of human existence that should be respected and protected.

In "Human Dignity and Human Rights," Gilabert advances an account of human dignity that is tailored to the realm of human rights discourse. He explores the various dimensions of human dignity, including its ethical, social, and political aspects. He also examines the relationship between human dignity and other fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, freedom, and equality.

One of the key themes of "Human Dignity and Human Rights" is the dignitarian approach to human rights. Gilabert argues that human dignity should be the guiding principle in the development and implementation of human rights policies and practices. He advocates for a rights-based approach that recognizes the inherent worth and value of every human being, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social status.

Gilabert's book extends the dignitarian approach to more ambitious claims of maximal dignity, such as those encoded in democratic socialist conceptions of social justice. He recasts the critique of capitalist society as involving exploitation, alienation, and domination of workers and revamps a neglected but inspiring socialist principle, the Abilities/Needs Principle.

The Abilities/Needs Principle states that each individual should be provided with the resources and opportunities necessary to lead a flourishing life. According to Gilabert, this principle yields reasonable and feasible requirements on social cooperation so that it solidaristically empowers each human being to lead a fulfilling life.

While "Human Dignity and Human Rights" offered the first systematic account of human dignity in human rights discourse, "Human Dignity and Social Justice" presents the first systematic application of the dignitarian framework to the core ideals of democratic socialism. Gilabert explores how the dignitarian framework can be used to address issues such as social inequality, poverty, and environmental degradation.

In conclusion, human dignity is a concept that is deeply rooted in human rights and social justice. Pablo Gilabert's book "Human Dignity and Human Rights" provides a comprehensive defense of the view that human dignity is the moral heart of justice. Through his dignitarian approach, Gilabert advocates for a rights-based approach to human rights that recognizes the inherent worth and value of every human being. His book extends the dignitarian framework to more ambitious claims of maximal dignity and explores how it can be applied to address social and environmental challenges.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871152