S1209 Globalization and Ethics. The Validity of Human Rights (S1209)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948, is intended as an expression of universally valid rights. But what is true in theory, all too soon founders in reality. Many nations, while verbally acknowledging the Declaration, are not prepared to see to it that these rights are sufficiently respected even within their own territories. In some cases these rights or at least the interpretation of these rights is challenged on the basis of cultural or religious traditions, and some societies even claim different values which stand in opposition to the demands of human rights. But can those traditions really override the claims of human rights? Are there 'non-western' values which allow or even mandate exceptions from the political demands human rights make?

Answers to these and related questions are connected with the question how human rights themselves are grounded. Are there more fundamental principles which justify human rights or are they themselves axiomatic and underivable from other principles? Are they eternally true and immutable or are they subject to evolutionary changes? Do human rights include only political rights or do they also comprise 'social rights' (e.g. a right to inclusion, to decent employment, etc.)?

The course will address the various aspects of human rights on two levels. First, we will discuss theoretical issues as, e.g., the concept of personhood, the idea of human dignity and its development, or concepts of equality. On a wider perspective we will also discuss questions regarding relativism versus universalism in ethics.  But we will also turn to the more practical aspects of human rights. Problems like ethnic and religious self-determination, gender-equality and women's rights will there be pertinent as well as the question whether humanitarian intervention can be justified.

Student presentations, elaborating on the various topics to be discussed in the weekly sessions, will be an integral part of the course.

Learning Outcomes

The course's main aim is to impart deeper insights into the ethical issues of globalization and their normative foundations as well as practical challenges. Emphasis will be given to concepts and notions that seem promising with respect to the ethics of international and global relations.

Teaching and Evaluation Methods

Lecture, discussion, students' presentation