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ABSTRACT
This article articulates a theory of multiculturalism grounded in dignity. But dignity claims are often unreasonable, inegalitarian, or harmful. To remedy this problem, this article proposes to tame dignity by subjecting dignity claims to three conditions of reasonability: genuine identification; equal realisation; cultural establishment.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes
1. The distinction between the two understandings is similar to Rosen’s (Citation2012, p. 40) contrast between dignity as intrinsic value (as in Kant) and dignity as maintaining a certain ‘bearing’ or ‘manner’.
2. Genuine identification is a normatively validating criterion. Yet strategic invocators of dignity have (strategic) reasons to present their claims as resulting from genuine identification. To separate the wheat from the chaff, this normative criterion must still be operationalized as a practical detection device.
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Notes on contributors
Helder De Schutter
Helder De Schutter is Professor of Social and Political Philosophy at KU Leuven, where he directs the Centre for Political Philosophy and Ethics. He publishes on the moral foundations of language rights, nationalism, and federalism. He is also the editor of Ethical Perspectives.