Political Theory of Human Rights

Questions

Think about these discussion questions for next time:

An-na’im proposes to examine the HR based prohibition on “cruel and unusual punishment” as an exploration of the cross-cultural approach. What conclusions does he reach? Does this make the CC approach to HR seem more or less appealing?


How do we determine what “cultural values” are if they are not universal within the culture in question? (In other words, does relativism mean, in practice, that the powerful speak for all of the culture?)


3) Falk says that “without cultural practices and traditions being tested against the norms of IHRs, there will be a regressive disposition toward the retention of cruel, brutal, and exploitative aspects of religious and cultural tradition.” (45-46) Why do you think Falk reaches this conclusion? Do you agree?

I'll begin class with a brief overview of the cross-cultural compromise, but I won't dwell on the details as they are in the reading.

posted by David Watkins @ 9:22 PM