BIH512: Human Rights and Theories of Human Rights

The module Human Rights and Theories of Rights, placed second in the introductory semester, is compulsory and occupies a prominent position in the programme's content. Its aim is to introduce students to the broad problematic of human rights and the fundamental theories that have been formulated for their philosophical grounding, as well as to clarify the conceptual framework in this specific field. The module also seeks to delineate the scope of application and utilisation of human rights in contemporary societies and to identify the ethical, social, economic and cultural challenges intertwined with them. Globalisation, the multicultural character of the modern world, widespread instability and climate change all make the consideration of these issues imperative. Thus, the module is not limited to traditional approaches but aims at linking rights with burning contemporary issues, such as environmental protection, the recognition of rights or interests in non-human entities, and the judicious use of biotechnological prospects, among others. These specific problems are not examined in exhaustive detail; what suffices is the identification of certain fundamental theoretical references and the conceptual framework, as their full  reatment is reserved for related modules (e.g. Medical Ethics and Borderline Situations).

With regard to the content of the module, it includes a variety of theoretical approaches. More specifically, it focuses primarily on the historical overview of the basic theories of rights from Antiquity onwards and presents the most significant theories of natural law, with emphasis on those that emerged in Modernity and constitute the foundation of contemporary Western civilisation. Separate sub-units are dedicated to the tradition of the Enlightenment and Liberalism, so that students may understand in depth the contribution of these traditions to the formation of the rights-centred perspective that characterises our era. The module also focuses on the theoretical approaches developed in the 20th century, as responses to specific historical events, as well as on the practical, legal and philosophical challenges that arose following the landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The module has been enriched with case studies and concrete examples which assist in a more comprehensive understanding of the concept of Human Rights.