The Philosophy of Human Rights

This book brings together an extensive collection of classical and contemporary writings on the topic of human rights, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, minority cultures, gay and lesbian rights, and the environment, providing an exceptionally comprehensive introduction. It places special emphasis on the historical development of theories of human rights, and includes western and nonwestern views. Sources include authors such as Aristotle, Cicero, Thomas Aquinas, Confucius, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Marx, Gandhi, Hart, Feinberg, Nussbaum, the Dalai Lama, Derrida, Lyotard, and Rorty.

Ideal for courses on human rights, social theory, ethical theory, and political science, it is organized to make selections accessible and engaging. Each reading begins with a brief introduction and is followed by study questions and suggested further readings.