It is undeniable that the influence of Kantian ethics has been
monumental
in illuminating the significance of persons as free moral agents. By virtue
of
being bearers of reason and responsibility, a dignity is conferred upon
humans on account of their status as unique persons. Kaufman emphasises
this point in his recent work, In Face of Mystery: A Constructive
Theology in the
context of the relationship between individual and collective ethics;
persons – as free and responsible agents and thus in important
respects self-determining and with projects of their own –
should never be dealt with as mere
‘things’, mere instruments for the purposes of others;
they are always entitled to special respect.