Anthroprostasia (Protection of a Human Being) is an Ethical Core of Humanism

Abstract

The concept anthroprostasia (protection of a person) is based on the idea of generally significant (universally valid) values as requirements not to violate the objective conditions for the ability of individuals to live a full-fledged life, to follow their interests and values. The concept of a full-fledged life includes health, freedom, dignity, and meaningfulness. Rules based on universally valid values are rigoristic, but not absolute: their violations against some people can be justified if it is necessary to protect the same values for other people. The issue of the admissibility of violence, including war killings, was considered in detail. The principle of protection of a person does not refer to the “higher”, but only to the minimal, primary values relating to the rules and orders of social interaction. The illegality of absolutization and attempts to impose any “higher values”, even such well-meaning ones as “human life”, “universal love”, “universal brotherhood”, etc., is shown.