Gewirth's argument for natural human rights - Speech or Presentation Example

Gewirth argued against the claims that described basic human rights as 'excess baggage' and an unnecessary burden by claiming that every human being has and must have a basic human right to ensure their own well-being and that such right must be protected by law (Gewirth, 1986: p. 330). Gewirth strongly supported the granting of basic human rights to all individuals and claimed that individuals can rightfully claim such rights for their own well-being merely by virtue of being conscious agents and they also must grant similar rights to others based on the same principle.

This argument was however a subject of criticism among other political scholars. Alisdair MacIntyre - a proponent of Aristotelian moral philosophy argued that Gewirth's argument of human rights as 'natural' was illogical and fictional in nature. Jack Donnell on the other hand supported the argument by stating that historically this principle was endorsed during the bourgeois revolution during the 17th and 18th centuries and hence can be applicable in present day society as well (Tierney, 1997: p.2). 2.

Set out the context of the author in question – their work and interests Alan Gewirth, is known for his impressive literary works and scholarly articles in the field of the natural law and political philosophy. He was a staunch believer and proponent of universal human rights. The publication of one of his most widely debated essays on Reason and Morality emphasized his views and ideologies on the concept of human rights as well as the principle of generic consistency whereby he stressed the significance and need for equality of rights for all individuals across the spectrum.

Prior to the publication of this project he was focused on exploration and analysis of the works of other scholars such as the famous French philosopher Rene Descartes (Boylan, 1999: p.41; Gewirth, 1943: p. 17) and the political philosophy of Marsilius of Padua. Gewirth's theories and ideologies were inspired largely from the persistent chaos and mistreatment of human beings during wars and other conflicts that plagued the twentieth century (Moreno-Riano & Nederman, 2011: p. 335). Gewirth dedicated a significant part of his academic career at the University of Chicago which was known for its strong support for right-wing libertarianism.

As a result several prominent libertarians including Eric Marc, Tribor Machan, Roger Pilon and the likes have used Gewirth's philosophy and take on human rights to endorse and support their own ideologies (The University of Chicago Chronicle, 2004; Brown, n.d.). His previous essays largely focused on a range of issues concerning human rights "Starvation and human rights"; "Can utilitarianism justify any moral rights?" and so on. His earlier works were aimed at exploring the policy issues and theoretical challenges confronting human rights.

He also published comprehensive essays with elaborate responses to the critiques of his essays presenting a strong argument in favour of equality of human rights; the freedom and rights of individuals to seek their well-being; and theories supporting rational justification (Donnelly, 1983: p. 476). 3. Summarise the relevant content and