Citation

Reitan E. Soc. Theory Pract. 2006; 32(3): 415-438.

Affiliation

Department of Philosophy, Oklahoma State University (eric.reitan@okstate.edu)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Florida State University Center for Social Philosophy)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The article deals with the concepts of self-defense and the principle of generic consistency. The two kinds of theories of human rights are mentioned. These theories of human rights are operational and foundational theories. An operational theory is an account of how rights operate to regulate behavior. On the other hand, a foundational theory is an explanation of why people have rights at all. Moreover, it discusses the role plays by the right not to be harmed or killed in justifying self-defense. The arguments posed by author Alan Gewirth on self-defense in the book "Reason and Morality" are also addressed.

Language: en