The Philosophical Underpinnings of Human Rights

Abstract

Once a conversation is started about “human rights”, two things quickly become apparent. First, there is a widespread agreement that human rights matter, and second, that there is extensive disagreement as to exactly what the term means. This chapter represents an effort to bridge this gap between society’s commitment to upholding and honouring human rights and the existence of deep divisions over what it is that is actually being dealt with. The author discusses the meaning of the term “human rights,” the difference between moral human rights and legal human rights, and the generational, cultural and political elements that may affect our understanding of human rights. The chapter concludes that international human rights law matters for New Zealand and effects how New Zealand operates as a country.