Philosophy Department

Seminar: Philosophy of Law (Human Rights)
(PHLU 4925)

Charles Kelbley

This seminar will focus on a major topic in the philosophy of law, the concept of rights and varying conceptions of rights in philosophy and law within both domestic and international contexts. We will consider questions such as “Where do rights come from?” “Are there any natural rights?” “What rights do we have?” “What are human rights?” We will examine pre-modern expressions of rights, natural rights, positive rights, the basis of legal and constitutional rights, moral rights, and human rights. Readings include portions of Dworkin’s Taking Rights Seriously, William Edmundson’s Introduction to Rights,and articles by H.L.A. Hart, John Rawls, Robert Nozick, David Lyons, and others.

The Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, Ottawa.