Baha'i Chair for World Peace Presents: The Ethical Foundations of Human Rights Conference

The Ethical Foundations of Human Rights Conference March 28, 2018  |  9AM - 6PM  Atrium, 1107, Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland, College Park

Abstract: In 1948, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, beginning the codification process of human rights in international law. The preamble affirms the “recognition of the inherent dignity and…equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” and goes further to assert that human rights are “the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” (United Nations, 1948). Human rights have become increasingly codified, in both national and international legal systems. While debates have focused on what types of rights should be codified, political rights, social rights, economic rights, and even environmental rights, less attention has been paid to examining the ethical foundations of the concept of human rights. This conference will bring together leading thinkers from across disciplines to explore the ethical foundations of human rights in the 21st century. Underlying the discussion will be an exploration of some of the more challenging philosophical and practical questions that have come into view as human rights thinkers have sought to translate the ideals that are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into action. Visit Us Online Speakers: Dr. Alison Brysk – “Why Rights are Right: The Politics of Persuasion” Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp Professor of Global Governance at the University of California, Santa Barbara Dr. Raimond Gaita – “Human Rights and the Frail Idea of a Common Humanity” Professorial Fellow in the Melbourne Law School and The Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne and Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at King’s College London. Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities Dr. Samuel Kerstein – “Treating Others Merely as Means” Professor of Philosophy at the University of Maryland, College Park  Dr. Karol Soltan – “Looking for a deeper meaning of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” Associate professor in the Department of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park  Connect With Us: Share Tweet Forward to Friend

Our mailing address is: Baha'i Chair for World Peace - UMD 1114 Chincoteague Hall College Park, MD 20742