Jan ze Trzciany’s reflections over the concept of human dignity in De Natura Ac Dignitate Hominis, 1554

Abstract

This article sheds light on an important aspect of Polish and European history of thought; namely, how ideas of the humanist movement that were born in Renaissance Florence spread to western and central Europe, being adopted at various universities north of the Alps. The specific notion of human dignity in Polish Renaissance philosophy influenced ideas of tolerance and enriched the political and philosophical debate in Poland. Jan of Trzciana, Arudinensis, (I will use his Latin name in the article), philosophy professor at the Academy of Kraków wrote a treatise on human nature and dignity, De Natura Ac Dignitate Hominis (1554). The article will unfold Arudinensis’ sources of influence Antient, Medieval and Renaissance, and will try to establish a connection to the later and contemporary discussion concerning foundation of human rights where the concept of dignity plays the crucial role.