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    • Publisher:
      Cambridge University Press
      Publication date:
      January 2010
      March 2004
      ISBN:
      9780511610936
      DOI:
      https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511610936
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      • Subjects:
      Law: General Interest, Law, Philosophy, Political Philosophy
      Series:
      Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Law
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    Subjects:
    Law: General Interest, Law, Philosophy, Political Philosophy
    Series:
    Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Law
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    Book description

    Rights come in various types - human, moral, civil, political and legal - and claims about who has a right, and to what, are often contested. What are rights? Are they timeless and universal, or merely conventional? How are they related to other morally significant values, such as well-being, autonomy, and community? Can animals have rights? Or fetuses? Do we have a right to do as we please so long as we do not harm others? This is the only accessible and readable introduction to the history, logic, moral implications, and political tendencies of the idea of rights. It is organized chronologically and discusses important events, such as the French Revolution. As an undergraduate text it is well-suited to introductions to political philosophy, moral philosophy, and ethics. It could also be used in courses on political theory in departments of political science and government, and in courses on legal theory in law schools.

    Reviews

    'The book is also a model text for students. The style is accessible and engaging, the analysis and arguments are sophisticated, and the text itself is clearly written and uncluttered by notes.'

    Source: Journal of Utilities

    'This book will be of interest to persons working in legal theory and in political philosophy in universities and colleges.'

    Source: Journal of Utilities

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    Contents

    Contents
    References
    Bibliographical Notes
    References
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