SOSC 2351 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, Divine Law

• School: York University
• Department: Social Science
• Course: SOSC 2351
• Professor: Tanja Juric

Document Summary

Lecture #4 - universalist theories of human rights. Each and every human being holds basic rights. Inherent to the human nature of that person, regardless of place and group origin, religious beliefs, or cultural background. They should not, under any circumstances, be denied or infringed upon. Largely based on western philosophical traditions, particularly liberal and democratic. 3 pillars of universalism: natural law (from religion and morality, rationalism. Provide a sense of order (and place) in the universe. We ought to not disrupt the natural order. Moral, political and legal framework derived from christian teachings (cultural and theological) Eternal law: the decree of god that governs all creation. Natural law: eternal law revealed to humans through reason. Human law: natural law applied by governments to society. Moral duty to act in accordance with purposes implanted (by god) in nature. For a norm to be legally valid it needed to conform to natural law. Nobody can interfere with them; government included.