Rights in Moral Lives: A Historical-Philosophical Essay

A. I. Melden examines the changes in our thinking about rights since the early modern times, discussing the concept of moral rights and their place in our moral lives. He explores different historical conceptions of rights, the relation of special moral rights to human rights, animal rights, moral progress, and the dream of a moral science. The book is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which makes high-quality scholarship accessible again using print-on-demand technology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

A. I. Melden, a renowned philosopher and moral rights theorist, delves into a profound exploration of significant shifts in our understanding of rights since their initial mention in early modern times. His inquiry is guided by an opening question and a concluding response. The central question revolves around whether the Greeks possessed a conception of a moral right. Some argue that they did not, primarily because they lacked a specific word for a right. However, others contend that they did, as their language employed certain locutions that, in our language, are associated with notions of moral rights.

Melden meticulously examines several crucial historical conceptions of rights, raising profound questions about the evolution of our thinking on this matter. His discussion sheds light on the role of moral rights within the broader framework of moral concepts and highlights their significance in shaping our moral lives. Among the fundamental issues explored are the diverse interpretations of rights, the relationship between special moral rights and our fundamental human rights, the emerging recognition of animal rights, the nature of moral progress, and the aspiration for a moral science.

This title is a part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press' commitment to seek out and nurture the brightest minds, providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and have a lasting impact. Drawing from a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived utilizes print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again. Originally published in 1988, this title is now revitalized and reintroduced to contemporary readers.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520304888