Introduction to Rights

Importance of Understanding Rights

• Necessary for informed citizenship.
• Commonly referenced in political and social contexts.
• Essential in discussions of medical ethics (e.g., abortion, euthanasia).

Definition of Rights

• Provided by Jeremy Waldron:
  1. If person P has the right to X, others must not prevent P from doing X.
  2. The duty to allow X promotes or protects P's interests.
  3. P should feel no embarrassment in insisting on this duty.

Application Examples

• Freedom of Expression: Others must not prevent one from expressing oneself as it serves vital interests.
• Right to Vote: Protects political interests.
• Consideration on whether being "cranky" is a right based on interest promotion.

Rights in Context

• Rights feature prominently in discussions on human cloning, genetic uniqueness, etc.
• Establishing a right requires proving it promotes a particular interest.

Types of Rights

• First Generation Rights: Political rights (freedom of expression, right to vote).
• Second Generation Rights: Economic rights (healthcare, employment, food).
  • Debate on whether second generation rights are genuine rights or provided services.

Basis of Rights

1. Utility or Well-being:

   • Rights promote overall well-being of society.
   • Proponent: John Stuart Mill.

2. Rational Status:

   • Rights preserve the dignity of rational beings.
   • Proponent: Immanuel Kant.

3. Social Contract Theory:

   • Rights exist as part of a societal contract for mutual benefit.
   • Proponent: Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Conclusion

• Rights are a complex but essential part of human society.
• Further reading on Jeremy Waldron’s article recommended for detailed discussion.