Originally posted by Cow Poke
View Post
However, in a just and equitable society that is loving towards all people, obviously everyone should have equal rights. That's just basic. If someone doesn't have equal rights that is a serious moral issue which should be addressed immediately and urgently.
That is why I care so much about 'human rights' (which I think is somewhat poor phrasing, but I didn't invent the phrase) - not because I think anyone has an inherent 'right' to things or 'deserves' them or think that we are 'created with inalienable rights', but because I think it's a basic moral duty to love others and want the best for others. We should be loving toward all people and alter the way our society works so that it is maximally loving toward all and treats all people well and gives them the maximal opportunity to live a life in which they can experience "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as someone once put it. I read any statement of 'human rights' as putting forth a goal for society to treat all people at least as well as specified in the standard. 'Human rights' form a minimum standard of how society treats people, and these standards are shaped altruistic people whose goal is to create a loving society that treats people well.
So, to me, if someone is rejecting human rights, they are rejecting the notion of treating others well, rejecting the idea that we should shape our society to love others, and in their heart rejecting the idea of loving others.
Comment