Abstract
A movement referred to as ‘new dignitarianism’ has recently reclaimed human dignity to counter challenges to human uniqueness that have been raised on numerous fronts. I argue in this article that the ‘new’ dignitarianism is not really new at all. Drawing on a debate between two French Enlightenment philosophers, I argue that dignitarianism is best understood as an ideal-type that forms the negative image of another ideal-type, naturalism. My central argument is that once we conceive of these two ideal-types as opposite poles on a normative spectrum, a philosophical problem—the Zero-Sum Problem—emerges: any gains a concrete theory makes by approximating one ideal-type, it loses by disapproximating the other. This explains why little progress has been made on these issues since the Enlightenment. The article shows how accepting this fact is a first step to more practically viable theories that attempt to find an equilibrium between the two ideal-types.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
