The Dignity of the Human Person amidst Contemporary Ideologies

Abstract

One of the most recurring concepts in the history of intellectual exploration is the concept of the human person and human dignity. It is the case because; every discourse revolves and centres on the human person. There seems to be no discussion among scholars both secular and religious that does not revolves around the dignity of the human person. The reign of secularism is one ideology that has given birth to several ideologies such as individualism, relativism, humanism, Marxism, and materialism. Humanity is suffering due to the emergence of these ideologies. The concepts “human dignity and human life” have been bastardized by many contemporary ideologies which are fast gaining momentum; thus altering the original idea about the nature and sacredness of human life which describes the need to preserve it. New threats such as genocide, euthanasia, and abortion diminish human dignity and life. Although, the Nigerian society which is seen as a religious country has not yet attained the pedestal in scientific discoveries and research, however, she is not excluded from the scourges of these perverse contemporary ideologies which are reflected in the lives of many Nigerian today. The infamous ENDSARS 2020 protest where young persons moved and stood against police brutality is one of such events that highlight the abuse of human dignity. Every human being has a dignity that must be protected and respected. It is in the quest to protect this dignity that laws are drafted and enacted. This paper aims to draw attention to the need for uplifting the human person, and defence of the dignity and rights of persons, particularly in the face of contemporary ideologies and oppressive political regimes like our country Nigeria.