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The Idea of Human Rights: Four Inquiries,Used
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Inspired by a 1988 trip to El Salvador, Michael J. Perry's new book is a personal and scholarly exploration of the idea of human rights. Perry is one of our nation's leading authorities on the relation of morality, including religious morality, to politics and law. He seeks, in this book, to disentangle the complex idea of human rights by way of four probing and interrelated essays.* The initial essay, which is animated by Perry's skepticism about the capacity of any secular morality to offer a coherent account of the idea of human rights, suggests that the first part of the idea of human rightsthe premise that every human being is 'sacred' or 'inviolable'is inescapably religious.* Responding to recent criticism of 'rights talk', Perry explicates, in his second essay, the meaning and value of talk about human rights.* In his third essay, Perry asks a fundamental question about human rights: Are they universal? In addressing this question, he disaggregates and criticizes several different varieties of 'moral relativism' and then considers the implications of these different relativist positions for claims about human rights.* Perry turns to another fundamental question about human rights in his final essay: Are they absolute? He concludes that even if no human rights, understood as moral rights, are absolute or unconditional, some human rights, understood as international legal rights, areand indeed, should beabsolute.In the introduction, Perry writes: 'Of all the influentialindeed, formativemoral ideas to take center stage in the twentieth century, like democracy and socialism, the idea of human rights (which, again, in one form or another, is an old idea) is, for many, the most difficult. It is the most difficult in the sense that it is, for many, the hardest of the great moral ideas to integrate, the hardest to square, with the reigning intellectual assumptions of the age, especially what Bernard Williams has called 'Nietzsche's thought': 'There is not only no God, but no metaphysical order of any kind....' For those who accept 'Nietzsche's thought', can the idea of human rights possibly be more than a kind of aesthetic preference? In a culture in which it was widely believed that there is no God or metaphysical order of any kind, on what basis, if any, could the idea of human rights long survive?'The Idea of Human Rights: Four Inquiries will appeal to students of many disciplines, including (but not limited to) law, philosophy, religion, and politics.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has one hundred seventy-six pages. It offers a comprehensive exploration of human rights through four essays.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it flexible and lightweight for easy handling.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions are nine point four eight inches in length, zero point five four inches in width, and nine point two five inches in height. These measurements make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Michael J. Perry. He is a recognized authority on the relationship between morality, politics, and law.
- Q: What is the genre of this book? A: The genre is human rights. It delves into philosophical and legal aspects of fundamental human rights.
- Q: How can I use this book for study? A: You can use this book for academic purposes or personal exploration. It is suitable for students of law, philosophy, religion, and politics.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in philosophy? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It presents complex ideas in an approachable manner through essays.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book explores themes of morality, the universality of rights, and the nature of human dignity. These themes provoke critical thinking about human rights.
- Q: How should I care for this paperback book? A: To care for this paperback book, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to preserve the cover and pages.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for all ages? A: Yes, it is appropriate for young adults and older. The themes are complex but suitable for mature readers.
- Q: How do I store the book properly? A: Store the book upright on a shelf to prevent bending. Ensure it is in a protective environment to maintain its condition.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrived damaged? A: If your book arrived damaged, contact the seller for a replacement or refund. Most retailers have a return policy for such issues.
- Q: Can I read this book online? A: Yes, if available, you may find an eBook version online. This allows for convenient reading on digital devices.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: This book is unique due to its blend of personal narrative and scholarly analysis. It tackles profound questions about human rights.
- Q: Does this book include references or citations? A: Yes, the book includes references to support its arguments. This adds to its credibility as an academic resource.
- Q: Where can I purchase this book? A: You can purchase this book from major online retailers, bookstores, or directly from the publisher, Oxford University Press.