Mind and Rights: The History, Ethics, Law and Psychology of Human Rights

Mind and Rights explores the justification of human rights in ethics, politics, and law, combining historical, philosophical, and legal perspectives with research from psychology and the cognitive sciences. It examines the growth of the human rights culture, its roots in history, and current human rights theories, and investigates the relationship between human cognition and human rights. The book argues that the pursuit of the human rights idea is key to understanding what kind of beings humans are and provides a comprehensive analysis of great practical and political importance for a culture of legal justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Mind and Rights is a groundbreaking work that delves into the complex and multifaceted realm of human rights, combining historical, philosophical, legal, and psychological perspectives to explore their justification in ethics, politics, and law. The book offers a comprehensive examination of the growth of the human rights culture, tracing its roots back to ancient times and examining the various human rights theories that have emerged throughout history. It also engages with the cognitive revolution, exploring the relationship between human cognition and human rights to understand how insights gained from modern theories of the mind can deepen our understanding of the foundations of human rights.

In chapters that are critically insightful and engaging, Mind and Rights examines the development of the human rights culture, its historical roots, and the various theories that have shaped it. It explores the concept of natural law and its role in the justification of human rights, as well as the role of international law and institutions in upholding and protecting human rights. The book also examines the challenges and criticisms faced by the human rights movement, including issues of universality, discrimination, and the enforcement of human rights.

One of the key themes of Mind and Rights is the relationship between human cognition and human rights. The book argues that the pursuit of the human rights idea, with its achievements and tragic failures, is essential to understanding what kind of beings humans are. It explores how human cognition shapes our understanding of justice, empathy, and the value of human life, and how these cognitive processes can inform the development of human rights policies and practices.

The book also provides a unique analysis of the practical and political importance of human rights. It argues that the pursuit of human rights is not only a moral obligation but also a crucial factor in promoting social justice, economic development, and peace. It highlights the role of human rights in addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and violence, and how the protection and promotion of human rights can contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable world.

Mind and Rights is a highly accessible and engaging work that will appeal to scholars, students, and policymakers alike. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to human rights, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex issues that surround them. The book is also highly relevant to the ongoing debate on the universality and legitimacy of human rights, and it provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion on how to promote and protect human rights in a globalized world.

In conclusion, Mind and Rights is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of human rights, combining historical, philosophical, legal, and psychological perspectives to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the foundations of human rights. The book's critical examination of the growth of the human rights culture, its roots in history, and its relationship with human cognition provides valuable insights into the practical and political importance of human rights. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and policymakers interested in promoting social justice, economic development, and peace in a world that is increasingly shaped by the values and principles of human rights.

ISBN-13: 9781316635407