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Darwinism and Human Dignity

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  • Ben Dixon

Abstract

James Rachels argued against the possibility of finding some moral capacity in humans that confers upon them a unique dignity. His argument contends that Darwinism challenges such attempts, because Darwinism predicts that any morally valuable capacity able to bestow a unique dignity is likely present to a degree within both humans and non-human animals alike. I make the case, however, that some of Darwin's own thoughts regarding the nature of conscience provide a springboard for criticising Rachels's claim here. Using Darwin's thoughts regarding conscience, I begin the project of grounding a revised account of human dignity in the human tendency to enshrine products of conscience within institutions. Specifically, I argue that this new account of human dignity is partly contingent upon humans creating institutions morally respectful of the values present within non-human nature.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Dixon, 2007. "Darwinism and Human Dignity," Environmental Values, , vol. 16(1), pages 23-42, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envval:v:16:y:2007:i:1:p:23-42
    DOI: 10.1177/096327190701600103
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