Final answer:
The philosophy that believes in the inherent worth and respectful treatment of every individual aligns with humanism and concepts found in both Mohist philosophy and Kantian ethics, where all humans are viewed as having intrinsic value and are to be treated as ends in themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The philosophy that believes everyone has worth and is entitled to respect as a human being is often associated with humanism and elements found within diverse ethical frameworks. One of the most central doctrines of Mohist philosophy, which highlights the principle of equal worth of all humans in the eyes of heaven, is in alignment with this belief. Moreover, ethicists like Immanuel Kant also emphasize the value of every individual, notably through Kant's concept of the 'Kingdom of Ends', where everyone must be treated as an end in themselves, never merely as a means to achieve an end. This imposes a responsibility to respect each individual's dignity and autonomy. Similarly, Thomas Aquinas and Baruch Spinoza discuss perfectionism in terms of individual and societal flourishing, suggesting that individuals strive for their inherent worth by reaching their highest potential.
These philosophical perspectives culminate in the understanding that human beings have intrinsic value, separate from their utility, which commands respect and consideration within societies. The notion that all persons are ends in themselves is further reflected in the way ethics and legislation approach subjects such as human rights, social justice, and the responsibilities of individuals within a community. The interconnectedness of philosophical inquiry touches upon key aspects of how societies are structured and how individuals within those societies interact with each other, always circling back to the underlying principle that every human being is of equal worth.