Human Rights: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Key Concepts (Polity)

by Michael Freeman

Human Rights is an introductory text that is both innovative and challenging. It invites students to think conceptually about one of the most important and influential political concepts of our time. In this unique interdisciplinary approach, Michael Freeman emphasizes the complex ways in which the experiences of the victims of human rights violations are related to legal, philosophical and social-scientific approaches to human rights.

By tracing the history of the concept, the book shows that there is a fundamental tension between the philosophy of human rights and the way in which it is understood in the social sciences. This analysis throws light on some of the most controversial issues in the Is the idea of the universality of human rights consistent with respect for cultural difference? Are there collective human rights? Should feminists embrace, revise or reject the idea of human rights? Does the idea of human rights distract our attention from the structural causes of oppression and exploitation? What are the underlying causes of human rights violations? And why do some countries have much worse human rights records than others?

The book will appeal to students in the social sciences, as well as students of human rights law who want an introduction to the non-legal aspects of their subject. It will also be read by scholars interested in ethics and the social sciences, as well as the general reader.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academic, Philosophy, Social Science, Law

216 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2002

About the author

Michael D.A. Freeman is Professor of English Law at University College London.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/people/pro...

Alternative Names
Freeman, M. D. A. 1943-
Freeman, M. D. A. (Michael D. A.)
Freeman, M. D. A. (Michael David Alan), 1943-
Freeman, Michael D., 1943-
Freeman, Michael D. A. (Michael David Alan), 1943-
Freeman, Michael David Alan, 1943-

Reviews

[xenya]

i thought this book was going to be so interesting and stimulating given its subject matter (!), but i just found it boring and poorly written and demeaning towards the reader. dnf :/

[Jade]

Writing style and organization was wack, but it still had very interesting points and added a new outlook on the theory of human rights for me

[Isabel Schmieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was read for my Global Topics: International Human Rights course at NYU.

Being the first book we read for this class, I thought Freeman provided a very comprehensive view of human rights and all of its aspects. Each chapter focused on a specific topic, providing several examples, authors, and outside texts. Though stocked full of information, I didn't find it to be overwhelming. It was a pleasant introduction to the world of human rights.

[Tristan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Najciekawsza w tym opracowaniu była geneza praw człowieka oraz NGOs'y i nauki społeczne w odniesieniu do tych praw. Reszta...przeczytałem, ale nie wiem, czy coś zrozumiałem xd.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good in terms of getting a holistic view of human rights theory and approaches to the topic. Author definitely comes at it with his opinion, but presents all views objectively.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave a thorough overview of human rights, I highly recommend this monograph to all serious students of human rights.

[Busola]

yet to read