Philosophy of Human Rights: A Systematic Introduction

Description

An introductory text to the philosophy of human rights, this book provides an innovative, systematic study of the concepts, ideas, and theories of human rights. It examines the principal philosophical issues that arise in specific areas of rights, such as women's rights, minority rights, or disability rights, and addresses the human rights aspects of world problems such as global poverty and humanitarian intervention. Along with the presentation of these established subjects, the book provides a vibrant critique of both the liberal fundamentals of human rights and the legal and political aspects of the concrete practice by individuals and organizations. Key Features: Presents a thorough philosophical introduction to human rights for anyone from any subject (e.g., international law, politics, public policy, philosophy). While grounded in philosophy, demonstrates a clear, organized understanding of real-world aspects of the field, with a deep analysis of vital, current issues. Is attentive to critical stances on human rights and to stultifying privations in the field. Offers a well-organized overall structure, moving from historical treatment, to conceptual analysis, to a set of current issues, and finally to criticism. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface and Acknowledgments Introduction A Systematic Structure Method Notes PART I: Overview 1. Fundamentals The Basic Building Blocks Categories of Rights Human Rights or Civil Rights? Two Provisional Disclaimers Notes 2. The Legal Framework International Human Rights Law The International Bill of Human Rights Additional International Human Rights Instruments Humanitarian Law Notes 3. Some Questions (about Human Rights) Who Holds Human Rights? How are Human Rights Justified? Do Human Rights Exist? Are Human Rights Absolute? Are they Universal? What is Dignity? Notes PART II: Philosophical Groundings 4. Liberal Underpinnings Thomas Hobbes John Locke John Stuart Mill John Rawls Notes 5. Theories of Rights Detour: Rights in Legalese – Wesley Hohfeld Back to Philosophy One Right Is Enough Rights as Trumps Rights, Duties, and Interests Notes 6. Theories of Human Rights Religion as the (Sole) Basis for Human Rights Two Basic Moral Human Rights The Capability Approach Institutional Duties (to Respect Human Rights) Notes PART III: Issues in Human Rights 7. The Universalism of Human Rights Unambiguous Relativism and Unmistakable Universalism A (Universalism-Relativism) Continuum? Imperialistic Universalism Notes 8. Groups and Other Collections Group Rights Minority Rights Indigenous Rights Notes 9. Rights on Our Mind Women’s Rights Disability Rights Refugee Rights Notes 10. Global Economic Rights Poverty as a Human Rights Issue Rawls – From Domestic Social Justice to Justice in International Relations A Suggestion for a Solution Counting, Measuring, and Assessing Poverty Freedom from Poverty as a Fundamental Human Right Notes 11. Security, Sovereignty, and Humanitarian Intervention From Personal Security to National Security The Dilemma of Security vs. Human Rights Dilemma or Pseudo-Dilemma? Torture Sovereignty and Humanitarian Intervention Notes PART IV: Critique 12. Philosophical Critique of Human Rights The Paradoxes of Liberalism – From Marx to Brown Anti-Foundationalism – A Different Conversation Alternative Discourses – Foucault and Levinas Philosophically Political – Balibar and Arendt Notes 13. Back to the Rough Ground The Law, and Politics Talking Human Rights Universalism Reconsidered Back to Political Rough Grounds Notes A Somewhat Epilogue: On the Ground Notes Formal Documents of Human Rights Bibliography Index