Philosophical Foundation of Human Rights

Focusing on the inadequacies of classical philosophical approaches, this textbook argues that only the Kantian concept of human dignity can serve as a solid foundation for human rights. By deriving human rights from this principle, it emphasizes the protection of personhood, enabling distinctions between genuine and spurious rights. Furthermore, it provides a framework for evaluating existing codified rights and suggests pathways for developing new unwritten rights. The work advocates for a significant reassessment of human rights case law to enhance legal clarity and effectiveness.