Between Desire and Reason: Rights Discourse at the Crossroads

The book explores the ethical and political foundations of different understandings of human rights, comparing the ideas of "good" and "reason" in the Thomistic-Aristotelian and Kantian traditions with contemporary liberalism. It highlights the dehumanizing effects of denying the relevance of integral human good in defining the scope of human rights and liberties and offers an alternative way forward for understanding human rights in a pluralistic society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The cornerstone of modern Western civilization is now widely recognized as the respect and promotion of human rights. However, a significant disparity exists between our shared understanding of the significance of rights and our deep-seated disagreements regarding their precise meaning and content. This disagreement has intensified over the past few decades, particularly with the emergence of contentious "new rights." This comprehensive book delves into the most significant moral debates, examining the ethical and political underpinnings of diverse interpretations of rights. In the first part, the author explores the role of concepts such as "good" and "reason" in the Thomistic-Aristotelian and Kantian traditions, comparing them to the main currents of contemporary liberalism, which emphasize our liberation from the constraints of nature. The book aims to demonstrate the dehumanizing consequences of disregarding the integral value of human well-being in defining the scope of human rights and liberties. It presents an alternative perspective for understanding human rights in a pluralistic society.

Weight: 327g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538148099