Theories of Individual Rights

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Questions and Answers

What does Raz claim about a right?

A right can be overridden by moral considerations.

A right exists only when it benefits the collective.

A right is only valid if society approves it.

A right is a reason for holding someone under a duty regarding well-being. (correct)

How do political theories differ regarding rights?

They all agree on the significance of individual interests.

They focus solely on collective goals and ignore individual rights.

They vary in the importance assigned to certain goods or interests. (correct)

They believe individual rights are universally applicable.

What issue does Hartney raise regarding rights?

Rights should only be granted by the state.

Collective rights take precedence over individual rights.

Individual rights need to be culturally contextualized. (correct)

Rights are fundamentally chaotic without societal structure.

According to natural rights theory, where do rights originate?

From an intrinsic human nature defined in the 'state of nature'. Signup and view all the answers

Who was a prominent figure in the development of natural rights theory?

Thomas Hobbes Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of giving rights to society, according to Hartney?

It undermines individual rights. Signup and view all the answers

How does the discussion of rights reflect on individual interests?

Individual interests must be justified against wider moral considerations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between culture and individual rights, as suggested in the content?

Culture plays a critical role in shaping the concept of good and rights. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main focuses of John Rawls’ theory of justice?

Individual rights to pursue personal ends Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical approach does Rawls' theory primarily challenge?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

In Rawls' framework, what is the purpose of imagining a hypothetical social contract?

To define the principles of justice governing society Signup and view all the answers

How does Rawls believe individuals should be treated according to his philosophy?

As ends in themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme of Rawls' A Theory of Justice?

The pursuit of a fair and just society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Rawls' vision of the just state?

Egalitarian and just Signup and view all the answers

What does Rawls' theory imply about agreement among individuals in society?

Justice arises from rational agreement Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher greatly influenced Rawls' conception of the social contract?

Immanuel Kant Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a social contract test of political policies in Kant's view?

To evaluate policies in a way that respects individual interests. Signup and view all the answers

According to Rawls, what is a critical flaw of utilitarianism?

It conflates individual identities and welfare. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rawls' first principle of justice emphasize?

Ensuring extensive liberty for individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the second principle of Rawls' theory state about social and economic inequalities?

They should advantage the least well-off and be open to all. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism has been directed at Rawls from the right-wing perspective?

He prioritizes equality over effort and merit. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rawls propose individuals be treated in a theory of justice?

As unique beings with distinct interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates Rawls' concept of 'justice as fairness'?

A system that accounts for individual rights and societal roles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a key aspect of Rawls' philosophy?

Justice must balance both social and economic inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does Rawls’ characterization of parties to the original positions primarily reflect?

Parties are male heads of relatively traditional families. Signup and view all the answers

What issue does Okin highlight in relation to women's domestic labor?

It contributes to the constraint of a ‘double workday’. Signup and view all the answers

According to Okin, what is a consequence of a gender-structured society on boys and girls?

Boys have more opportunities for self-esteem than girls. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iris Marion Young argue about the ideal of universal citizenship?

It includes universality as participation in public life. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of universality as equal treatment refer to?

Ensuring the same treatment regardless of group differences. Signup and view all the answers

How does the involvement in political activities affect women according to Okin?

It requires more time than they typically have. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly characterizes women's standpoint in a gender-structured society?

It is often overlooked by male philosophers. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the tensions in the meanings of universal citizenship as discussed by Young?

The balance between inclusion and focusing on the common good. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bentham’s principle assume about happiness?

It can be quantitatively assessed and summed. Signup and view all the answers

How did John Stuart Mill differ in his perspective on happiness compared to Bentham?

He recognized differences in the quality of pleasures. Signup and view all the answers

What critique was aimed at Bentham's view of happiness?

It implies that pleasure is the only consideration in life. Signup and view all the answers

What concept do contemporary utility theories aim to measure?

The satisfaction of individual preferences. Signup and view all the answers

Which assumption does not align with Bentham's view of happiness?

Different types of pleasure can be aggregated. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human welfare do critics argue should be evaluated differently?

The intensity of preferences and happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What did critics of Bentham claim about the idea of pleasure being the highest end of life?

It is a narrow and degrading perspective on life. Signup and view all the answers

What method does contemporary utility theory utilize to express satisfaction?

A numerical representation of preference satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individual Rights

Individuals have rights that are distinct from collective goals.
Rights exist when individual well-being requires another person(s) to fulfill a duty.
Rights arise from recognizing important interests of individuals, protected from broader moral considerations.

Theories of Rights

Natural Rights Theory:
- John Locke's influential theory of natural rights, as presented in his Second Treatise on Civil Government.
- Thomas Hobbes' theory of natural rights rooted in the "state of nature".
Utilitarianism:
- Jeremy Bentham's theory focuses on happiness as a measurable and aggregable quantity.
- John Stuart Mill challenged this view, arguing that happiness can also differ in quality.
- Contemporary utility theory attempts to quantify satisfaction of preferences.

John Rawls on Rights

Rawls' Theory of Justice:
- Focuses on individual means to pursue their own ends and "good life".
- Employs a hypothetical social contract to determine principles of justice.
- Emphasizes an egalitarian spirit, reflecting the idea of individuals as "ends" in themselves (Kantian influence).
- Differentiates from utilitarianism by preserving the "distinction of persons" and addressing individual rights.

Rawls' Principles of Justice

First Principle: Each person has an equal right to the greatest liberty compatible with similar liberty for others.
Second Principle: Social and economic inequalities should be arranged to benefit everyone, especially the least well-off, and be accessible to all.

Criticisms of Rawls' Theory

Right-wing Critics: Argue Rawls undervalues effort, merit, and responsibility in distribution.
Left-wing Critics:
- Susan Okin: Argues Rawls' theory neglects gender inequalities and their impact on women's pursuit of primary goods.
- Iris Marion Young: States the concept of "universal citizenship" creates tension between inclusiveness and focusing on shared good over individual differences.

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Description

Explore the fundamental theories surrounding individual rights, including Natural Rights Theory and Utilitarianism. This quiz delves into the works of philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill. Additionally, it discusses John Rawls' Theory of Justice and its implications for individual fulfillment.