| Human Rights |
| Are all human beings born with universal, unalienbable rights, or was that just a figment of Thomas Jefferson's imagination? |
| Okay, I admit it. I put this question here on purpose...because I like this question. I mean, I really like this one. That's because this question explores an idea that I think is one of the most important ideas there is. The idea that all human beings have rights, and with these rights all human beings are equal, is based on the idea that all human beings have value. They have value, not just because they are smart, or own a big company, or do an important job--they have value just for being who they are: human beings. The President of the United States and the guy at the Seven-Eleven both have this value. It's not based on how much they make or what they produce or give to society, it's based purely on the idea that a human being has worth in and for himself. It could be related to the belief that we are children of God, "created in his image". This idea that all human beings have value is the basis for the idea that all human beings have rights--like the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of hapiness," which is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. This idea is the basis for most (if not absolutely all) of our ethics: it is wrong to take a human life because that human life has value. We are told to respect our parents and treat others as we wish to be treated for the same reason: all human beings have value. The ideas that (1) human beings have rights, (2) that we all carry an inherent dignity (the "human spirit") and (3) that human beings have value (value in and for themselves) are all related. A lot of other ideas are related to the idea of human value, as well. In fact, it is possible to have a whole philosophical scheme (a whole system of beliefs) based on just one or two ideas (like the idea of human value). Those most basic ideas would be like the foundation of a building, and every other idea in the philosophical scheme could be derived from those foundational ideas. Any new idea incorperated into the philosophy would be tested against those most basic beliefs. My whole personal philosophy, I think, stems from one single idea, and that idea is the idea of human value. Everything I believe presupposes (just plain assumes) that human beings have value. I'm not saying this to make it seem like everyone's philosophy has to start where mine does--although, naturally, I like to think my starting point is a pretty good one. Nor (for the religious among us) ams I stating this to try and overshadow the presence of God. I am merely trying to let you all know where I am coming from. Though, sometimes, I am curious to know where other people's philosophies begin. Perhaps they begin with their chosen religious creed, or a piece of advice or wisdom handed down from a parent. You may, if you wish, take a moment to reflect: where do your beliefs come from? What are they based on--what ideas form the foundation of your beliefs, and how do they shape what you value and what goals you set? That is where philosophy becomes powerful, because it affects our values and our behavior. Yes, I suppose I have gotten off-topic, but sometimes it is interesting to see where things will lead. But, with our little detour finished, we can return to our original topic. The ideas embraced by Ameria's founding fathers are usually believed to be taken from the philosophy of John Locke. The idea of human rights was also expressed in a document called the Magna Carta, which was created in England. It limited the power of the King, and laid the groundwork for the English Parliament (which is similar in function to our American Congress). Human rights also became an issue in the era of the Civil War, when the question of slavery was finally settled. But universal rights--like the right to vote for women and for African-Americans--had a long way to go. There was a lot of injustice and oppression, but every time, people saw what was right and stood up against oppression. Sometimes it took years--many years--for the people to act, but they always did. The idea of human rights/human value is a very powerful one. I think it is the central tenet (belief/teaching) of Christianity, and it is what made Christianity so revolutionary when it began. To be happy, we don't need wealth or fancy cars or complex technology. What we want, and what we really need, is to feel valued, respected, loved--it's the most basic human need. Give a human being dignity, or let him find it, he can rise above himself and the hardships he faces, but take that away and life is little better than living death. It is empty. Of course, I've said rather a lot. I could be disagreed with. Or maybe people agree with me. What do you think? |
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| Some Great Books To Read: To Kill A Mockingbird The Grapes of Wrath 1984 Brave New World |