On Tuesday, 21 January, our Theory of Knowledge (ToK) students had the unique opportunity to engage in an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on human dignity and human rights, led by esteemed human rights expert Albin Dearing. With an extensive background in legal philosophy and human rights advocacy, Dr. Dearing is the author of Justice for Victims of Crime: Human Dignity as the Foundation of Criminal Justice in Europe and is currently working on his next book, Innate Dignity and Rights – A Humanist Theory of Law.
During his presentation, Dr. Dearing examined the historical evolution of human dignity as both a philosophical ideal and a legal framework, tracing its significance from early philosophical thought to modern-day legal structures. He highlighted how the principle of human dignity has shaped contemporary human rights policies and continues to serve as a foundation for justice and equality on a global scale.
One of the key takeaways from the session was the practical application of these principles in real-world legal and ethical debates. Dr. Dearing encouraged students to critically examine the role of dignity in law and governance, prompting questions about how societies balance individual rights with collective justice. Through case studies and examples, he illustrated how the concept of human dignity remains a cornerstone of legal systems worldwide.
For ToK students, who are currently exploring ethics as part of their curriculum, the session provided an invaluable perspective on the intersection of philosophy, law, and human rights. By linking theoretical discussions to real-world challenges, Dr. Dearing's talk enriched students' understanding of ethical dilemmas and offered valuable insights that they can integrate into their ToK essays and broader reflections on justice, morality, and the rule of law.