53 - Charles Herrman: Duties of Honor vs. Rights of Dignity

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Charles Herman, a philosopher and senior research fellow at the American Institute for Philosophical and Cultural Thought. We explore into a distinction that Charles has been developing, which revolves around the concepts of honor versus dignity cultures.

Drawing insights from his Substack post titled “A Short Survey of Honor and Dignity,” we explore how this theoretical framework can help explain significant pairings throughout Western history, including the philosophical debates between Epicureanism and Stoicism, Romanticism versus Classicism, and the modern cultural divide between liberalism and conservatism. To start, Charles defines the core attributes of honor and dignity cultures. In an honor-based culture, esteem is earnestly sought and is predicated on notions of trust, respect, and earned merit. Individuals are expected to exemplify socially approved behavior to maintain their standing and reputation. In contrast, dignity cultures center around inherent worth and individual rights, grounded in the belief that all human beings deserve a certain measure of respect, regardless of their achievements or failures. This fundamental distinction, as Charles elaborates, has immense implications on behaviors and social interactions within these cultures. As our conversation unfolds, we discuss how the perception of status differs radically in honor versus dignity systems. Honor cultures traditionally elevate status through established hierarchy, often venerating elders and those who have earned their merit. This contrasts sharply with dignity cultures, which emphasize equal rights and universal dignity upheld by rationalism, a legacy of Enlightenment thought. Charles analyzes how these two cultures negotiate relationships, particularly in contractual matters, shedding light on cultural tensions witnessed in historical and contemporary political negotiations. Diverting into the realm of risk, Charles highlights that honor cultures appear more accepting of death and risk-taking, viewing these as part of a dignified existence. This differs from the almost preventative, risk-averse mindset prevalent in dignity-based societies. The conversation probes deep into the psychology of risk, challenging us to consider how these frameworks fundamentally affect ambition and the pursuit of personal goals. We further contemplate the adaptive qualities of these cultural systems. While Charles notes that 90% of the world's current population embraces honor-based systems, he suggests that adaptability is not inherently tied to type of culture. Rather, he points out that historical shifts—such as the changing landscapes of governance in modern China—demonstrate that various political systems can exhibit forms of adaptability. The discourse also touches on the implications of free riding within dignity cultures, especially in the context of immigration policies in Europe. Charles critically examines how dignity frameworks, which emphasize inherent worth, may inadvertently neglect the pragmatic implications of individual contributions to society, illustrating a vulnerable point in the dignity culture paradigm. As we wind down, the conversation shifts to the philosophical roots of dignity, questioning how secularization and the loss of metaphysical foundations may impact its future longevity. Charles argues that while dignity is a relatively recent sociocultural construct, the progress made in this aspect over the last few centuries cannot be overlooked. Yet, he emphasizes that the respect and adherence to human rights remain critical challenges that practitioners of dignity culture must navigate moving forward. This episode invites listeners to reflect upon the nuanced interplay between honor and dignity within their own contexts. We draw conclusions on how these cultural frameworks influence our personal interactions and societal structures, highlighting the potential for mutual