Brown Bag Series - Kantian Human Dignity and the Diversity of the Human Right an of thier Foundation

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Jean-Christophe Merle

Kantian Human Dignity and the Diversity of the Human Rights and of their Foundation

Since Rawls‘ A Theory of Justice (1971), Kantian Ethics provides a major contribution to
philosophical debates in various fields of applied ethics, for instance to the discussion about
the foundation of human rights. On this issue, Kantian ethics argues on the basis of Kant’s
concept of human dignity as moral autonomy. This raises two kinds of problems: (i) problems
resulting from the fact that Kant’s human dignity is a moral category, not a legal one, (ii) it
leads to assuming that human rights have a unique foundation, namely human dignity as
moral autonomy. The presentation will explain on some concrete examples why this
widespread assumption is wrong, and that there are several foundations of human rights –
even of each single one.

Location: Bibiliothek (L207)

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The Brown Bag Series takes place once a month at lunchtime in the library.
Short presentations and discussions bring together students, faculty, and
researchers to explore current topics, share ideas, and gain new perspectives.
In an open and informal atmosphere – feel free to bring your own lunch – the
series offers a space for lively conversations beyond the formal seminar setting.
Whether you would like to present your research, raise a question for discussion,
or simply listen in, your participation enriches the interdisciplinary dialogue.
The Brown Bag Series is held in English.

*The term “Brown Bag” originates from the custom of bringing one’s lunch in a
brown paper bag.