The Philosophy of Human Rights: A Systematic Introduction

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.

Anat Biletzki is the Albert Schweitzer Professor of Philosophy at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, having previously been at the Philosophy Department at Tel Aviv University for many years. Her publications include: Talking Wolves: Thomas Hobbes on the Language of Politics and the Politics of Language (1997), and (Over)Interpreting Wittgenstein (2003). She served as chairperson of B’Tselem―the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (2001–2006) and was nominated among the “1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize―2005.”