Rights in Moral Lives: A Historical-Philosophical Essay

A. I. Melden's Rights in Moral Lives explores changes in our thinking about rights since early modern times, discussing the concept of a moral right, the role of moral rights in our moral lives, and the challenges raised by changes in our understanding of these rights. The book is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which makes high-quality scholarship accessible again using print-on-demand technology.

Format: Hardback
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. Conversely, others contend that they did, as they employed certain locutions that, in our language, are associated with notions of moral rights.

Melden meticulously examines several significant 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 and provide them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and have a lasting impact. Drawing from a 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 now finds a new life in this digital format, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520356757