People For Earth

The discussion over the formulation of laws acknowledging the inherent value of nature highlights the acknowledgment of particular rights or a general legal personality for nature or natural entities. Discussions on the Rights of Nature and Earth Jurisprudence are constrained, as they reference dignity but lack adequate development to offer a robust justification for it. The Right of Nature is frequently framed as interest theory; nonetheless, the dominant perspective in discussions regarding the foundation and essence of rights posits that the Rights of Nature does not negate free will, a notion also embraced within the idea of dignity. Consequently, it is imperative to advance the discourse on dignity and reinforce the basis for acknowledging the Rights of Nature. Conversely, the Swiss Federal Constitution and the Animal Protection Act of Korea both clearly incorporate the notion of dignity for natural entities, warranting an examination of these texts. This study seeks to substantiate the theory of rights through the notion of dignity for non-human nature and contends that this concept of dignity can positively contribute to the coherence with the concept of human dignity, regarded as the foundational norm of our legal system. The project aims to investigate the feasibility of justifying dignity from a dehuman-centric perspective. This study posits that human dignity is not actively validated by qualities or abilities, but rather exists passively and relationally, with its expansion rooted in post-humanism. This idea would enable the recognition of nature’s dignity within current legislation, necessitating future modifications to incorporate specific requirements.