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Literature Survey English © March 2001 |
Human Dignity and
International Law I. Man and his Dignity The term “human dignity” can be found in numerous
international documents. Yet, an extensive study without certain
preconceptions had yet to be written. Now, it exists. The term “human dignity“ cannot be understood
without understanding the different views of man. A closer examination shows:
all concepts of man which have been proclaimed throughout the ages (“man as
the glory and scum of the universe”, Pascal; man as a mere convention, e. g.
Tibetan Buddhism) can be seen as one facet of the one but manifold human
being. The Analysis shows human dignity as being in inter-relation
with the human rights of which it is the source, but by which it is also
determined. An Examination of the respective human rights shows,
that they can be traced back to freedom or to equality. In this context,
equality takes effect into the same direction as freedom (justice in
freedom). This, put into relation to the conclusions drawn
from the developed idea of man leads to the consequence that the core of
human dignity is genuineness (“authenticity”), the freedom to live according
to one’s own nature. This means, that the form of human dignity in the
external world can be different not only from culture to culture, but also
from man to man. This subjects people who apply international law to
considerable, but not unfulfillable demands. As to the content of the term,
this interpretation does not lead to problems, because not only the norms
referring to human dignity, but all norms have to be construed in “practical
concordance”. Freedom therefore is freedom in so far as the other norms do
not confine them, themselves being confined by the norms of human dignity. II. Human dignity,
justice and peace The Universal Declaration of Human Rights already
indicates the relationship between human dignity, freedom, justice and peace.
They are essential aims of international law. Human dignity is being shown as a form of justice referring to man. It leads, if it is legally observed and lived in accordance with one’s own nature, to peace (Freedom to live according to one’s own nature requires recognizing one’s own essence, and this means being conscious. In this process, prejudice and discrimination, being two of the greatest impediments to peace, are being eradicated as it can be concluded from the psychology of C. G. Jung, since they are rooted in human unconsciousness and are a part of the “shadow”, which is at the same time the archetypical experience of the enemy/the Fiend. If these roots are made conscious, prejudice and false images are not being projected into law and politics, the psychological processes are not being politicised and the reciprocal application of shadow-projections is being stopped .An essential factor of conflict is being abolished.) You can read more in my thesis (in German):
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