Can Human Dignity Replace Individual Dignity? 

WU Jiahao

Abstract: The theory of human dignity identifies certain inherent human characteristics, elevating humanity as the pinnacle of creation and valuing individuals as carriers of these traits. Under this framework, individuals are called to actively embody their human essence and participate in political life to serve the community. Overall, this interpretive paradigm of dignity establishes a distinct concept of autonomy and provides methods for its realization, fostering the secularization of politics by emphasizing human value. The doctrine of individual dignity presupposes the intrinsic worth of individuals and defends their autonomy and equal status through the imposition of legal obligations on the state. However, limited by its essentialist and communitarian orientation, the scope of autonomy and equality it provides to individuals remains constrained. By transcending ontology with a value-based approach, the concept of individual dignity creates a unique, open structure that incorporates and reflects on global human rights practices. This adaptability enables it to integrate abstract societies, advance the global human rights agenda, and critique and refine political realities. Consequently, the concept of individual dignity cannot be supplanted by the human dignity theory.