1. Dignity, Difference, and Personhood

2. Natural Relation is Key The natural correlation of the male-female polarity is key to understanding the fundamental importance of relation. This correlation show that human beings bear a natural relation to each other prior to our desiring and choosing. The male-female polarity is the basic sign of our natural relation to all others. In other words, the solidarity of the human family is a fundamentally a matter of natural relation to each other, not a mere choice.

3. Conceptions of Personhood: Basic Types Functionalist Substantial Identity

4. Conceptions of Personhood Functionalist Defines human beings in terms of functions. In other words, defines human beings not in terms of who they are, but what they do. Reduces human beings to the possession of a “what.” Substantial Identity Defines human beings in terms of intrinsic worth. In other words, defines human beings in terms of who they are, not what they do. Recognizes that to be a person is first and foremost to be a “who.”

5. Functionalist Conception Personhood is defined in terms of specific functions like sentience (ability to feel pain), consciousness, or cognitive ability to name a few. Or it is defined in terms of age or state of dependence on others.

6. Substantial Identity Conception A person does not become a person. A person either is a person or not. In other words, a person is a person is a person from beginning to end. Defined in terms of our membership in the human family, not in terms of the performance of a particular activity. In other words, human rights belong to us in terms of being a human being.

7. Practical Applications Functionalist Exclusive Discriminates against some members of the human family based on cognitive ability or state of dependence. Doesn’t secure the equality of all human beings. Reduces human dignity to instrumental value. Substantial Identity Inclusive Discriminates against none: all are included regardless of cognitive ability or state of dependence or location. Secures the equality of all human beings. Understands human dignity in terms of intrinsic worth.

8. Conceptions of Human Dignity Dignity as Intrinsic Worth Dignity as Flourishing Dignity as Attributed

9. Intrinsic Worth and Attributed Conceptions Intrinsic Worth Key term: recognition Not subject to the whims of politics or cultural changes Attributed Key term: attribution Subject to the whims of politics or cultural changes