Abstract
Many current theories of human rights are flawed in that they fail to recognise differences between fundamental human rights and others of lesser significance. If some rights are superior to others than it is possible to formulate a hierarchy of rights, and rules to resolve potential conflicts of rights. Only by self-examination can we determine what is personally significant in how we live meaningful and directed lives. This in turn aids in defining social values and determining the rights individuals should reasonably expect to be provided by society.
Notes
1. Patrick Henry, Speech at St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, March 23, 1775.
2. Attributed by Bentham to Joseph Priestly in Works, vol. X, p. 142.
3. Priestley wrote: “The good and happiness of the members, that is the majority of the members of the state, is the great standard by which every thing relating to that state must finally be determined.” c.f. The First Principles of Government and the Nature of Political, Civil and Religious Liberty (1768).