What are human rights? Why do we have them? How do we know for sure which rights are specific to humans? And how should we respond when we disagree on them and on the obligations we owe to others who claim human rights? These are just a few of the questions taken up in this broad-ranging and systematic introduction to the theory of human rights.

The author draws on both traditional perspectives and current debates in the field to address key contemporary issues and conceptual questions. She asks whether or not human rights can be said to be universal, and whether human rights can...

What are human rights? Why do we have them? How do we know for sure which rights are specific to humans? And how should we respond when we disagree on them and on the obligations we owe to others who claim human rights? These are just a few of the questions taken up in this broad-ranging and systematic introduction to the theory of human rights.

The author draws on both traditional perspectives and current debates in the field to address key contemporary issues and conceptual questions. She asks whether or not human rights can be said to be universal, and whether human rights can...