The Value of Humanity

Abstract

What do we mean when we talk about “humanity”? Is it simply everyone who is alive? Or is it, rather, something about us that makes us unique? This paper provides an introduction to Immanuel Kant’s concept of humanity, understood as a value. Kant’s Categorical Imperative is discussed, especially the formula of universal law and the formula of humanity. The paper also recalls the metaphysical pedigree of Kant’s concept of humanity. The paper focuses on Kant’s works, the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals and Critique of Practical Reason, but also draws upon the work of Derick Parfit, John Rawls, Thomas Scanlon, Onora O’Neill and Christine Korsgaard among others.

Keywords: ethics; Immanuel Kant; value; humanity; human rights

JEL Classification: Z10