Human Rights and their Limits
Cambridge University Press, 9/21/2009
EAN 9780521110273, ISBN10: 0521110270
Hardcover, 262 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Human Rights and their Limits shows that the concept of human rights has developed in waves: each call for rights served the purpose of social groups that tried to stop further proliferation of rights once their own goals were reached. While defending the universality of human rights as norms of behavior, Osiatyński admits that the philosophy on human rights does not need to be universal. Instead he suggests that the enjoyment of social rights should be contingent upon the recipient's contribution to society. He calls for a 'soft universalism' that will not impose rights on others but will share the experience of freedom and help the victims of violations. Although a state of unlimited democracy threatens rights, the excess of rights can limit resources indispensable for democracy. This book argues that, although rights are a prerequisite of freedom, they should be balanced with other values that are indispensable for social harmony and personal happiness.
1. A short history of human rights
2. Rights and democracy
3. Rights and needs
4. Rights and cultures
5. Human rights and other values.