Abstract: The Idea of dignity is at the core of western moral philosophy. In the history of western philosophy, it is generally thought that the best account of dignity was expressed by Kant. But actually Aristotle did interpret his idea of dignity thousands of years ago. Either Aristotle or Kant interpreted dignity based on their understandings of human nature. But modern moral philosophy not only changes the requirement of human nature but shift the emphasis of the question on social respect and recognition of human being. Behind that shift there are deep philosophical reasons. I will explain these reasons by our new understanding of autonomy, as well as the challenge of identity politics come with value pluralism.

Key words: dignity, autonomy, identity