ANTIGONE, TODAY: DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN CONTEMPORARY SPACES

Abstract

References to human dignity are now frequently heard in public forums and debates, particularly in defence against violations of the conditions of freedom, and justice, and in protests against humiliation. The content of dignity, as well as of felicity, cannot however be defined. The notion of dignity, despite general agreement on the value of the idea, is frequently criticized for its lack of conceptual clarity, and openness to misinterpretation. In light of these premises the article proposes a reflection on the theme of dignity and human rights in contemporary spaces starting from the solicitations offered by the tragedy of Antigone where the Antigone’s choice of disobedience raises the high-level conflict between human dignity and the law.