Making Sense of Human Rights

by James Nickel

This fully revised and extended edition of James Nickel’s classic study explains and defends the contemporary conception of human rights. Combining philosophical, legal and political approaches, Nickel explains international human rights law and addresses questions of justification and feasibility.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Law

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2006

About the author

James Nickel holds degrees in mathematics (B.A.), theology (B.Th. and B.Miss.), and education (M.A.). He is also a candidate for the M.S. degree (Master of Science in Mathematics with a Teaching Option) from Texas A&M University.

He is married with three grown children and living in Wenatchee, Washington.

Email: jdnickel@juno.com

Reviews

[Kyle van Oosterum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is utterly fascinating. From investigating what rights are metaphysically, how we can justify them and framework after framework - this book is an excellent introduction to the philosophy of human rights. Nickel has a very accessible writing style, which makes sure the prose (that can be dense at times) is still understandable. A refreshing optimistic take on human rights and documents of human rights, Nickel is also a realist and anticipates objections to all of the ideas that he advances as well as countering the juggernaut of objections, CULTURAL RELATIVISM. He has 8 different responses, all of which are fairly rational to accept. Overall, a great read for anyone wishing to learn more about the philosophy of human rights.

[Kasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a deep, philosophical argument for the status, content, and application of human rights. It focuses nicely on the arguments around such rights and touches on many challenges to thinking about human rights, such as relativism, the status of group rights, the possible erosion of human rights during wartime, and many others. Well written and profound. A very good introduction to the subject, including the full text of several key rights documents.

[Alex Hui · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive text on human rights theory. The book starts with an introduction of the grounds of human rights and its justification. The author then furthers his arguments on what constitute a human right and how specific rights could be derived. Discussion goes on with more specific rights and their objections/justification. I would say the first part of the book comprises most of the meats and should be carefully studied. Some theories and deductions are not entirely persuasive but nevertheless serves a good starting point for further thinking. A pretty good classic text on human rights.