Abstract: During the European Renaissance,the “capacity-based” approach to the philosophical demonstration of human dignity evolved into three interrelated and complementary strands:the “functional capacity theory” which establishes dignity through the mediating role of the universe;the “self-shaping capacity theory” which endows humans with a unique status through the openness of their “formless existence”;and the “freedom-based capacity theory” which anchors dignity in the practical unity of free will and moral reason.These three strands advanced the secularizing turn of the concept of dignity in a progressive manner and undermined the theological hierarchical order,not only weakening the absolute dominance of transcendent authority over human value but also initiating the study of subjective dignity.Admittedly,the logic of justifying dignity through “capacity” reduced dignity to an achievable attribute that requires verification—rather than a fundamental right inherently and equally possessed by every individual by virtue of their human existence and might theoretically neglect the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of “individuals with impaired capacities”.Nevertheless,its early construction of the concept of dignity highlighted humanity's uniqueness in the cosmos and laid a theoretical foundation for understanding human rights and dignity in subsequent eras.

Key words: human dignity, capacity, functions, self-shaping, liberty