This document discusses establishing a philosophical foundation for human rights in East Asia based on neo-communitarian principles. It argues that while Western philosophy views humans as independent rational beings, East Asian traditions like Confucianism see humans as embedded in communities. The document proposes reinterpreting the Japanese term for human rights, "Kenri Tsūgi", in a way that emphasizes humans' responsibility to their communities rather than solely their individual rights. This alternative view could provide a justification for human rights that is compatible with East Asian cultural and philosophical traditions.
This document provides an overview of the history and development of human rights from ancient to modern times. It discusses concepts of human rights in ancient India, Buddhism, and the pre-World War era. It also covers the constitutional vision and provisions for human rights in modern India, including fundamental rights and directive principles guaranteed in the Indian constitution that relate to international covenants. Overall, the document traces the philosophical and legal roots of human rights from early religious texts and laws to their modern formulations in international declarations and national constitutions.
The document discusses the evolution of human rights from a Western and Indian perspective. It makes the following key points:
1) Western philosophy has focused mainly on individual rights against the state, while neglecting social context and individual duties. Indian traditions like Dharma instead emphasize duties within society.
2) The four generations of human rights (civil/political, economic/social/cultural, collective, knowledge-based) have increasingly focused on positive individual rights and cooperation with the state.
3) While human rights intentions are welcomed, their formulations have been influenced by political contexts and may not fully achieve their goals of protecting individuals. Expanding the philosophy of Dharma may better address deeper human rights concerns
Democracy and academic freedom in nigeria a philosophical perspectiveAlexander Decker
This document discusses democracy and academic freedom in Nigeria from a philosophical perspective. It begins by defining democracy and academic freedom, noting that true democracy requires an educated populace and academic freedom allows open pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. However, Nigeria's democracy and universities currently face challenges like government interference in admissions and funding that limit academic freedom. To strengthen democracy and freedom, the document argues that Nigerian society and universities must address issues like corruption, lack of infrastructure funding, and undue political influence to become freer and more democratic institutions.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Journal will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to
This document discusses the universalization of human rights and democracy. It argues that while human rights originated in Western thought, the concept has become nearly universal. The document outlines three types of human rights recognized internationally - traditional civil/political rights, socio-economic rights, and collective/community rights. It asserts that the universal acceptance of human moral worth, as reflected in these rights, is an important step. However, determining how decisions are made that respect human rights while pursuing the common good raises more complex questions about democracy and liberalism.
The document defines and describes several major political ideologies including anarchism, communism, conservatism, environmentalism, liberalism, nationalism, and socialism. Anarchism advocates for stateless, self-governed societies based on voluntary cooperation. Communism's ultimate goal is the establishment of a classless, collectively owned communist society. Conservatism promotes retaining traditional social institutions. Environmentalism concerns protecting the environment. Liberalism is based on ideas of liberty and equality. Nationalism involves shared feelings of identity within a geographic region. Socialism involves social ownership and democratic control of production.
Caveat - VOLUME 09/II, FEBRUARY 2010 - LBH MasyarakatLBH Masyarakat
In this month’s Main Article column, we examine the controversy currently surrounding the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of expression. A recent application for constitutional review of the 1965
Blasphemy Law has re-invigorated the freedom of religion debate in Indonesia.
The Indonesia Constitution and domestic law on human rights guarantee freedom of religion and freedom of worship. Unfortunately, in practice, one cannot rely on this ‘guarantee’ to exercise the right to worship the religion of one’s choice. Those who have beliefs which are different to the mainstream religions may be labelled as deviant, or face physical abuse, as in the case of followers of Islamic sect, Ahmaddiya. This article critiques this gap between words and practice in relation to freedom of religion in Indonesia.
The Additional Feature in this month’s episode highlights the debate around the power of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to ban printed materials believed to have the potential to disrupt public order. In December last year, the AGO banned five books by a decree, igniting a debate on
freedom of expression. Author of banned book Enam Jalan Menuju Tuhan, Darmawan, filed an application for constitutional review with the Constitutional Court in February, on the grounds of violation of his right to freedom of expression. The government and supporters of the book
ban defend the actions of the AGO on the basis that freedom of expression and freedom to information are subject to limitation. Notwithstanding this, it is important to critically analyse whether the power to limit these rights is exercised in a manner compatible with the principles of human rights. We argue that, in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a degree of proportionate limitation on the exercise of
the right to freedom of expression and information in the name of public order is justifiable. However, even in such
circumstances, the power to ban books must be exercised in accordance with certain criteria; the exercise of power
should be a proportionate response to the threat, it should be exercised in accordance with a set of objective criteria and should be subject to review or appeal.
The final article is an opinion piece written by Ricky Gunawan which looks at the story of Rose, a drug user sentenced by Indonesian courts to rehabilitation. Rose
was asked to pay an amount of money for her rehabilitation even though Indonesia’s Narcotics Law clearly states that the state will pay the treatment costs of drug addicts
found guilty of drug offences under the Narcotics Law. Gunawan criticizes Indonesian’s legal system which is
unprepared to serve convicted drug users in need of rehabilitation.
This document discusses political ideologies such as liberalism and conservatism. Liberalism supports individual liberty and limited government. Core liberal values include individualism, rationalism, freedom, responsibility, justice, and tolerance. Conservatives generally support traditional social institutions and values, and favor a limited role for government in social and economic matters. Neoliberalism emphasizes wealth promotion over redistribution and reforming military practices over increased spending.
This document provides an overview of the history and development of human rights from ancient to modern times. It discusses concepts of human rights in ancient India, Buddhism, and the pre-World War era. It also covers the constitutional vision and provisions for human rights in modern India, including fundamental rights and directive principles guaranteed in the Indian constitution that relate to international covenants. Overall, the document traces the philosophical and legal roots of human rights from early religious texts and laws to their modern formulations in international declarations and national constitutions.
The document discusses the evolution of human rights from a Western and Indian perspective. It makes the following key points:
1) Western philosophy has focused mainly on individual rights against the state, while neglecting social context and individual duties. Indian traditions like Dharma instead emphasize duties within society.
2) The four generations of human rights (civil/political, economic/social/cultural, collective, knowledge-based) have increasingly focused on positive individual rights and cooperation with the state.
3) While human rights intentions are welcomed, their formulations have been influenced by political contexts and may not fully achieve their goals of protecting individuals. Expanding the philosophy of Dharma may better address deeper human rights concerns
Democracy and academic freedom in nigeria a philosophical perspectiveAlexander Decker
This document discusses democracy and academic freedom in Nigeria from a philosophical perspective. It begins by defining democracy and academic freedom, noting that true democracy requires an educated populace and academic freedom allows open pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. However, Nigeria's democracy and universities currently face challenges like government interference in admissions and funding that limit academic freedom. To strengthen democracy and freedom, the document argues that Nigerian society and universities must address issues like corruption, lack of infrastructure funding, and undue political influence to become freer and more democratic institutions.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Journal will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to
This document discusses the universalization of human rights and democracy. It argues that while human rights originated in Western thought, the concept has become nearly universal. The document outlines three types of human rights recognized internationally - traditional civil/political rights, socio-economic rights, and collective/community rights. It asserts that the universal acceptance of human moral worth, as reflected in these rights, is an important step. However, determining how decisions are made that respect human rights while pursuing the common good raises more complex questions about democracy and liberalism.
The document defines and describes several major political ideologies including anarchism, communism, conservatism, environmentalism, liberalism, nationalism, and socialism. Anarchism advocates for stateless, self-governed societies based on voluntary cooperation. Communism's ultimate goal is the establishment of a classless, collectively owned communist society. Conservatism promotes retaining traditional social institutions. Environmentalism concerns protecting the environment. Liberalism is based on ideas of liberty and equality. Nationalism involves shared feelings of identity within a geographic region. Socialism involves social ownership and democratic control of production.
Caveat - VOLUME 09/II, FEBRUARY 2010 - LBH MasyarakatLBH Masyarakat
In this month’s Main Article column, we examine the controversy currently surrounding the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of expression. A recent application for constitutional review of the 1965
Blasphemy Law has re-invigorated the freedom of religion debate in Indonesia.
The Indonesia Constitution and domestic law on human rights guarantee freedom of religion and freedom of worship. Unfortunately, in practice, one cannot rely on this ‘guarantee’ to exercise the right to worship the religion of one’s choice. Those who have beliefs which are different to the mainstream religions may be labelled as deviant, or face physical abuse, as in the case of followers of Islamic sect, Ahmaddiya. This article critiques this gap between words and practice in relation to freedom of religion in Indonesia.
The Additional Feature in this month’s episode highlights the debate around the power of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to ban printed materials believed to have the potential to disrupt public order. In December last year, the AGO banned five books by a decree, igniting a debate on
freedom of expression. Author of banned book Enam Jalan Menuju Tuhan, Darmawan, filed an application for constitutional review with the Constitutional Court in February, on the grounds of violation of his right to freedom of expression. The government and supporters of the book
ban defend the actions of the AGO on the basis that freedom of expression and freedom to information are subject to limitation. Notwithstanding this, it is important to critically analyse whether the power to limit these rights is exercised in a manner compatible with the principles of human rights. We argue that, in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a degree of proportionate limitation on the exercise of
the right to freedom of expression and information in the name of public order is justifiable. However, even in such
circumstances, the power to ban books must be exercised in accordance with certain criteria; the exercise of power
should be a proportionate response to the threat, it should be exercised in accordance with a set of objective criteria and should be subject to review or appeal.
The final article is an opinion piece written by Ricky Gunawan which looks at the story of Rose, a drug user sentenced by Indonesian courts to rehabilitation. Rose
was asked to pay an amount of money for her rehabilitation even though Indonesia’s Narcotics Law clearly states that the state will pay the treatment costs of drug addicts
found guilty of drug offences under the Narcotics Law. Gunawan criticizes Indonesian’s legal system which is
unprepared to serve convicted drug users in need of rehabilitation.
This document discusses political ideologies such as liberalism and conservatism. Liberalism supports individual liberty and limited government. Core liberal values include individualism, rationalism, freedom, responsibility, justice, and tolerance. Conservatives generally support traditional social institutions and values, and favor a limited role for government in social and economic matters. Neoliberalism emphasizes wealth promotion over redistribution and reforming military practices over increased spending.
This document summarizes Emerson's marine expertise and solutions for vessel operations. It describes integrated control and monitoring systems that provide vessel oversight, valve remote control systems, fuel management systems for optimized fuel usage, tank level gauging for cargo tanks, and cargo monitoring systems. Emerson aims to help vessels operate safely, efficiently and with maximum uptime through customizable automation and monitoring solutions.
Menerapkan Al-Qur.an surat pendek pilihan dalam kehidupan tentang problematik...intanfitriasih
Dokumen tersebut membahas tentang isi kandungan surat Al-Lahab dan An-Nasr yang menjelaskan tentang perilaku yang menolak ajaran rasul serta bentuk pertolongan Allah. Surat Al-Lahab menjelaskan kegagalan lawan-lawan Muhammad SAW seperti Abu Lahab dan istrinya. Sedangkan Surat An-Nasr menjelaskan mengenai janji kemenangan Islam dan tugas Nabi Muhammad SAW yang mendekati akhir.
El documento describe y compara los sistemas educativos de Costa Rica y Ecuador. Explica que en Costa Rica, la educación es gratuita y obligatoria hasta noveno año y está dividida en etapas como educación inicial, primaria, secundaria y universitaria. En Ecuador, la educación está regulada por el Ministerio de Educación y también incluye educación inicial obligatoria, básica general y bachillerato. Ambos sistemas buscan ofrecer una educación integral para el desarrollo de los estudiantes.
O documento discute como presentes são uma forma de expressar amor em todas as culturas e como devemos estar presentes para aqueles cuja linguagem primária de amor é receber presentes, especialmente durante tempos de crise. O documento enfatiza que os melhores presentes são aqueles que demonstram que pensamos na outra pessoa.
Apresentação comercial da Brand P - Gestão de Marketing, Lda
Somos especialistas em Field Marketing e Market Intelligence, actuando num ecossistema complexo que é o mercado de consumo.
Este certificado reconoce que Lorena Arteaga Morelos completó con éxito el curso de Informática Básica impartido en el CETIS 109. La maestra Margarita Romero Alvarado certifica que Lorena cumplió con los requisitos del curso el 25 de marzo de 2012.
Este documento resume los mecanismos inmunológicos implicados en el asma alérgica. Explica que el asma es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de las vías respiratorias que afecta a 235 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Detalla las diferentes células y moléculas que participan en la cascada inflamatoria del asma alérgica, incluyendo células epiteliales, linfocitos T de diferentes subtipos, mastocitos, eosinófilos y basófilos. El documento analiza espec
Este documento describe la comunicación social y sus características fundamentales. Define la comunicación social como el proceso de dar a conocer una realidad para que otra persona pueda conocerla. Explica que la comunicación tiene fines particulares como la comunión y fines generales como el progreso de la sociedad. También detalla cinco características clave de la comunicación: que es imposible no comunicar, que toda comunicación tiene contenido y nivel relacional, que tiene una secuencia cronológica, que puede ser analógica o digital, y que puede ser simétrica
Educating and training in an ideological vacuum a critical explanation of the...Alexander Decker
This document discusses the relationship between education and ideology in Zimbabwe. It argues that Zimbabwe and other African countries are currently in an ideological vacuum when it comes to education. During the colonial era, education policies were underpinned by capitalist ideologies that aimed to produce servants for the colonial masters. After independence, Zimbabwe aimed to implement socialist ideologies in education, but faced challenges in fully replacing capitalist frameworks. As a result, Zimbabwe's education system has been ambivalent and inconsistent without a clear overarching societal vision or ideological framework to guide policies and outcomes. The lack of a homegrown African ideology has left the continent's education systems in confusion without relevance to local needs.
Sujay Identity and identity change FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL.pdfSujay Rao Mandavilli
This document proposes a generalized approach to collective and individual identity formation that could apply across cultures. It discusses the importance of identity modulation, dilution, and neutralization while introducing concepts like the "psychic unity of mankind" and dangers of identity polarization. The approach is linked to theories in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and human development. It advocates for ethnographic fieldwork in diverse contexts and pedagogical reform to shape identity and promote ethnic harmony in a globalized world.
Sujay Identity and identity change FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL.pdfSujay Rao Mandavilli
This document proposes a generalized approach to collective and individual identity formation that could apply across cultures. It discusses the importance of identity modulation, dilution, and neutralization while introducing concepts like the "psychic unity of mankind" and dangers of identity polarization. The approach is linked to theories in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and human development. It advocates for ethnographic fieldwork in diverse contexts and pedagogical reform to shape identity and promote ethnic harmony in a globalized world.
1. The document discusses the socio-political dimensions of education through an analysis of political science as both an academic discipline and social science throughout history.
2. Key concepts discussed include the origins of politics in ancient Greek city-states, the formulation of early legal codes and political thought, and influential philosophers from Confucius to Jesus Christ who guided human and social conduct.
3. The development of modern political theories is covered from the medieval period through early modern theorists, focusing on concepts like natural law, social contract theory, and the works of philosophers such as Locke, Rousseau, and Mill.
African Proverbs A Method Of Knowledge Production In AfricaAudrey Britton
This document discusses African proverbs as a methodology for knowledge production in Africa. It makes three key points:
1) African proverbs contain insights on reality and represent compressed frameworks and conclusions arrived at through induction or deduction, making them an essential part of indigenous critical thinking that should be further interrogated and integrated into mainstream knowledge production.
2) Early colonial ethnographers recognized the value of African traditions like proverbs in understanding African philosophy and ontology. Thinkers like Tempels located the essence of African being in traditional thought and the view that "force is being."
3) Nationalist leaders applied concepts of African identity and ontology to politics. Movements like Négritude and philosophies like Ujamaa emphasized
What Are Human Rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
International Human Rights Law
International human rights law lays down the obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a comprehensive body of human rights law—a universal and internationally protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It has also established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out their responsibilities.
The foundations of this body of law are the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1945 and 1948, respectively. Since then, the United Nations has gradually expanded human rights law to encompass specific standards for women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities and other vulnerable groups, who now possess rights that protect them from discrimination that had long been common in many societies.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The document discusses the key international human rights instruments and organizations that work to protect and promote human rights. It outlines the International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 and two optional protocols. It also discusses the UN General Assembly, which adopts human rights declarations and conventions, and the UN Commission on Human Rights, which discusses specific human rights issues and initiates studies. The organizations work together within the UN system to uphold and advance human rights globally.
The document provides an introduction to human rights by categorizing them into five types: civil rights, political rights, economic rights, cultural rights, and social rights. It then discusses some of the key international documents relating to human rights, including the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenants on Human Rights. The document emphasizes that human rights are indivisible, interrelated, and interdependent.
This document discusses the possibility of reaching a worldwide consensus on human rights. It argues that while the concept of human rights originated in Western societies, the values of democracy and human rights are increasingly accepted on a global scale. However, full agreement faces challenges, as other cultures may interpret concepts like individual rights and dignity differently. Still, the document believes that separating the philosophical principles from legal frameworks allows for the values like life, liberty and equality to be adopted more universally. It also acknowledges the important role of non-governmental organizations in advocating for human rights around the world.
This document provides information about an ethics course at Hong Kong Baptist University. It includes the course outline, instructor details, an overview of contractarianism as presented in the first lecture, and topics that will be covered in the second lecture on current social contract theories of ethics. Specifically, it discusses two main forms of contemporary social contract theory - interest-based contractarianism focusing on mutual advantage, and Kantian contractarianism emphasizing impartial moral status.
HUMAN RIGHTS meaning definition conceptsChaitraAni
This document provides an overview of human rights in India. It begins with definitions of human rights and discusses the history and development of human rights in ancient, medieval, and modern India. It then examines the impact of human rights on Indian society, including ensuring basic needs, protecting vulnerable groups, allowing freedom of speech and religion, and holding governments accountable. The document concludes that human rights are essential for peace, harmony, security and freedom in communities.
This document summarizes an article that examines the concept of social justice in traditional Igbo society in Nigeria as an alternative model to the current practice of social justice. The current modern concept of social justice has failed to adequately address issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice. However, in traditional Igbo society, social justice was integrative, inclusive, and based on shared human values of cooperation and compassion. The article analyzes the basic structures and beliefs of traditional Igbo society that helped maintain social justice, with their worldview defining their knowledge system, values, behaviors and social activities into a cohesive whole. It concludes that adopting aspects of the Igbo model of social justice could provide answers to modern questions around social injustice.
005 Essay Example Proposal Proposals Examples ~ Thatsnotus. Research Proposal Topics by Writing a Research Proposal - Issuu. Business Proposal Essay Ideas – Telegraph. A List Of Writing Ideas And Topics For Proposal Essays, Updated. 015 Essay Example Proposal Topics Topic List Good Great College .... Business proposal topics. 30 Research Proposal Topics to Prepare a Good .... A Complete List Of Proposal Essay Topics | Total Assignment Help. Best Research Proposal Topics for Every Student. 017 Proposal Essay Topics Templates Research Uk ~ Thatsnotus.
This document summarizes Emerson's marine expertise and solutions for vessel operations. It describes integrated control and monitoring systems that provide vessel oversight, valve remote control systems, fuel management systems for optimized fuel usage, tank level gauging for cargo tanks, and cargo monitoring systems. Emerson aims to help vessels operate safely, efficiently and with maximum uptime through customizable automation and monitoring solutions.
Menerapkan Al-Qur.an surat pendek pilihan dalam kehidupan tentang problematik...intanfitriasih
Dokumen tersebut membahas tentang isi kandungan surat Al-Lahab dan An-Nasr yang menjelaskan tentang perilaku yang menolak ajaran rasul serta bentuk pertolongan Allah. Surat Al-Lahab menjelaskan kegagalan lawan-lawan Muhammad SAW seperti Abu Lahab dan istrinya. Sedangkan Surat An-Nasr menjelaskan mengenai janji kemenangan Islam dan tugas Nabi Muhammad SAW yang mendekati akhir.
El documento describe y compara los sistemas educativos de Costa Rica y Ecuador. Explica que en Costa Rica, la educación es gratuita y obligatoria hasta noveno año y está dividida en etapas como educación inicial, primaria, secundaria y universitaria. En Ecuador, la educación está regulada por el Ministerio de Educación y también incluye educación inicial obligatoria, básica general y bachillerato. Ambos sistemas buscan ofrecer una educación integral para el desarrollo de los estudiantes.
O documento discute como presentes são uma forma de expressar amor em todas as culturas e como devemos estar presentes para aqueles cuja linguagem primária de amor é receber presentes, especialmente durante tempos de crise. O documento enfatiza que os melhores presentes são aqueles que demonstram que pensamos na outra pessoa.
Apresentação comercial da Brand P - Gestão de Marketing, Lda
Somos especialistas em Field Marketing e Market Intelligence, actuando num ecossistema complexo que é o mercado de consumo.
Este certificado reconoce que Lorena Arteaga Morelos completó con éxito el curso de Informática Básica impartido en el CETIS 109. La maestra Margarita Romero Alvarado certifica que Lorena cumplió con los requisitos del curso el 25 de marzo de 2012.
Este documento resume los mecanismos inmunológicos implicados en el asma alérgica. Explica que el asma es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de las vías respiratorias que afecta a 235 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Detalla las diferentes células y moléculas que participan en la cascada inflamatoria del asma alérgica, incluyendo células epiteliales, linfocitos T de diferentes subtipos, mastocitos, eosinófilos y basófilos. El documento analiza espec
Este documento describe la comunicación social y sus características fundamentales. Define la comunicación social como el proceso de dar a conocer una realidad para que otra persona pueda conocerla. Explica que la comunicación tiene fines particulares como la comunión y fines generales como el progreso de la sociedad. También detalla cinco características clave de la comunicación: que es imposible no comunicar, que toda comunicación tiene contenido y nivel relacional, que tiene una secuencia cronológica, que puede ser analógica o digital, y que puede ser simétrica
Educating and training in an ideological vacuum a critical explanation of the...Alexander Decker
This document discusses the relationship between education and ideology in Zimbabwe. It argues that Zimbabwe and other African countries are currently in an ideological vacuum when it comes to education. During the colonial era, education policies were underpinned by capitalist ideologies that aimed to produce servants for the colonial masters. After independence, Zimbabwe aimed to implement socialist ideologies in education, but faced challenges in fully replacing capitalist frameworks. As a result, Zimbabwe's education system has been ambivalent and inconsistent without a clear overarching societal vision or ideological framework to guide policies and outcomes. The lack of a homegrown African ideology has left the continent's education systems in confusion without relevance to local needs.
Sujay Identity and identity change FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL.pdfSujay Rao Mandavilli
This document proposes a generalized approach to collective and individual identity formation that could apply across cultures. It discusses the importance of identity modulation, dilution, and neutralization while introducing concepts like the "psychic unity of mankind" and dangers of identity polarization. The approach is linked to theories in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and human development. It advocates for ethnographic fieldwork in diverse contexts and pedagogical reform to shape identity and promote ethnic harmony in a globalized world.
Sujay Identity and identity change FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL.pdfSujay Rao Mandavilli
This document proposes a generalized approach to collective and individual identity formation that could apply across cultures. It discusses the importance of identity modulation, dilution, and neutralization while introducing concepts like the "psychic unity of mankind" and dangers of identity polarization. The approach is linked to theories in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and human development. It advocates for ethnographic fieldwork in diverse contexts and pedagogical reform to shape identity and promote ethnic harmony in a globalized world.
1. The document discusses the socio-political dimensions of education through an analysis of political science as both an academic discipline and social science throughout history.
2. Key concepts discussed include the origins of politics in ancient Greek city-states, the formulation of early legal codes and political thought, and influential philosophers from Confucius to Jesus Christ who guided human and social conduct.
3. The development of modern political theories is covered from the medieval period through early modern theorists, focusing on concepts like natural law, social contract theory, and the works of philosophers such as Locke, Rousseau, and Mill.
African Proverbs A Method Of Knowledge Production In AfricaAudrey Britton
This document discusses African proverbs as a methodology for knowledge production in Africa. It makes three key points:
1) African proverbs contain insights on reality and represent compressed frameworks and conclusions arrived at through induction or deduction, making them an essential part of indigenous critical thinking that should be further interrogated and integrated into mainstream knowledge production.
2) Early colonial ethnographers recognized the value of African traditions like proverbs in understanding African philosophy and ontology. Thinkers like Tempels located the essence of African being in traditional thought and the view that "force is being."
3) Nationalist leaders applied concepts of African identity and ontology to politics. Movements like Négritude and philosophies like Ujamaa emphasized
What Are Human Rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
International Human Rights Law
International human rights law lays down the obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a comprehensive body of human rights law—a universal and internationally protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It has also established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out their responsibilities.
The foundations of this body of law are the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1945 and 1948, respectively. Since then, the United Nations has gradually expanded human rights law to encompass specific standards for women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities and other vulnerable groups, who now possess rights that protect them from discrimination that had long been common in many societies.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The document discusses the key international human rights instruments and organizations that work to protect and promote human rights. It outlines the International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 and two optional protocols. It also discusses the UN General Assembly, which adopts human rights declarations and conventions, and the UN Commission on Human Rights, which discusses specific human rights issues and initiates studies. The organizations work together within the UN system to uphold and advance human rights globally.
The document provides an introduction to human rights by categorizing them into five types: civil rights, political rights, economic rights, cultural rights, and social rights. It then discusses some of the key international documents relating to human rights, including the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenants on Human Rights. The document emphasizes that human rights are indivisible, interrelated, and interdependent.
This document discusses the possibility of reaching a worldwide consensus on human rights. It argues that while the concept of human rights originated in Western societies, the values of democracy and human rights are increasingly accepted on a global scale. However, full agreement faces challenges, as other cultures may interpret concepts like individual rights and dignity differently. Still, the document believes that separating the philosophical principles from legal frameworks allows for the values like life, liberty and equality to be adopted more universally. It also acknowledges the important role of non-governmental organizations in advocating for human rights around the world.
This document provides information about an ethics course at Hong Kong Baptist University. It includes the course outline, instructor details, an overview of contractarianism as presented in the first lecture, and topics that will be covered in the second lecture on current social contract theories of ethics. Specifically, it discusses two main forms of contemporary social contract theory - interest-based contractarianism focusing on mutual advantage, and Kantian contractarianism emphasizing impartial moral status.
HUMAN RIGHTS meaning definition conceptsChaitraAni
This document provides an overview of human rights in India. It begins with definitions of human rights and discusses the history and development of human rights in ancient, medieval, and modern India. It then examines the impact of human rights on Indian society, including ensuring basic needs, protecting vulnerable groups, allowing freedom of speech and religion, and holding governments accountable. The document concludes that human rights are essential for peace, harmony, security and freedom in communities.
This document summarizes an article that examines the concept of social justice in traditional Igbo society in Nigeria as an alternative model to the current practice of social justice. The current modern concept of social justice has failed to adequately address issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice. However, in traditional Igbo society, social justice was integrative, inclusive, and based on shared human values of cooperation and compassion. The article analyzes the basic structures and beliefs of traditional Igbo society that helped maintain social justice, with their worldview defining their knowledge system, values, behaviors and social activities into a cohesive whole. It concludes that adopting aspects of the Igbo model of social justice could provide answers to modern questions around social injustice.
005 Essay Example Proposal Proposals Examples ~ Thatsnotus. Research Proposal Topics by Writing a Research Proposal - Issuu. Business Proposal Essay Ideas – Telegraph. A List Of Writing Ideas And Topics For Proposal Essays, Updated. 015 Essay Example Proposal Topics Topic List Good Great College .... Business proposal topics. 30 Research Proposal Topics to Prepare a Good .... A Complete List Of Proposal Essay Topics | Total Assignment Help. Best Research Proposal Topics for Every Student. 017 Proposal Essay Topics Templates Research Uk ~ Thatsnotus.
This document provides an introduction to anthropology as an academic discipline. It begins by defining anthropology as the study of human culture and society through empirical research methods like ethnographic fieldwork. It discusses debates around key concepts like culture, noting that culture refers both to human universals and systematic differences. While culture was traditionally viewed as integrated and bounded, some see it as unbounded and contested. The document also distinguishes between culture as the cognitive and symbolic aspects of human life, and society as patterns of social interaction and power relations. In summarizing anthropology, it emphasizes the discipline's comparative approach, fieldwork methodology, and global scope in studying diverse human societies.
This document provides an introduction to understanding culture, society, and politics through social sciences. It discusses that social sciences help decipher human societies, behaviors, and interactions. The document also outlines the importance of social sciences in allowing analysis of patterns and social dynamics to develop community solutions. Specifically, it describes that anthropology is the study of humans, cultures, and environments throughout history. Sociology is defined as the study of human social life, groups, and society. Political science deals with the study of political phenomena and aims to further understanding of political values, processes, and theories.
Society and Culture with Family Planning, HIVDenisse_Jimenez
This document provides an overview of a course on society and culture with family planning. It discusses the objectives of understanding human societies and social institutions from different sociological perspectives. It also covers the origins and development of human communities. The document then summarizes the philosophical theories of several thinkers on the formation of society, including Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Machiavelli, More, Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke, and Mill. They discussed the purposes of government and ideals of just, harmonious societies based on principles like virtue, moral duty, laws, rights, and limiting state authority.
Human rights protection in nigeria the past, the present and goals for role a...Alexander Decker
This document provides a historical overview of human rights protections in Nigeria from pre-colonial times to the present. It discusses how human rights were recognized and protected to some degree in traditional Nigerian societies prior to colonialism, though the specific rights differed from contemporary conceptions and varied between groups. The document then examines Nigeria's increasing engagement with international human rights law and institutions post-independence, alongside ongoing issues in fully realizing rights. It concludes by recommending roles for the government and NGOs to further promote human rights protections in Nigeria.
Similar to A neo-communitarian approach on human rights as a cosmopolitan imperative in East Asia (18)
Sangyun Lee, 'Why Korea's Merger Control Occasionally Fails: A Public Choice ...Sangyun Lee
Presentation slides for a session held on June 4, 2024, at Kyoto University. This presentation is based on the presenter’s recent paper, coauthored with Hwang Lee, Professor, Korea University, with the same title, published in the Journal of Business Administration & Law, Volume 34, No. 2 (April 2024). The paper, written in Korean, is available at <https://shorturl.at/GCWcI>.
Lifting the Corporate Veil. Power Point Presentationseri bangash
"Lifting the Corporate Veil" is a legal concept that refers to the judicial act of disregarding the separate legal personality of a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). Normally, a corporation is considered a legal entity separate from its shareholders or members, meaning that the personal assets of shareholders or members are protected from the liabilities of the corporation. However, there are certain situations where courts may decide to "pierce" or "lift" the corporate veil, holding shareholders or members personally liable for the debts or actions of the corporation.
Here are some common scenarios in which courts might lift the corporate veil:
Fraud or Illegality: If shareholders or members use the corporate structure to perpetrate fraud, evade legal obligations, or engage in illegal activities, courts may disregard the corporate entity and hold those individuals personally liable.
Undercapitalization: If a corporation is formed with insufficient capital to conduct its intended business and meet its foreseeable liabilities, and this lack of capitalization results in harm to creditors or other parties, courts may lift the corporate veil to hold shareholders or members liable.
Failure to Observe Corporate Formalities: Corporations and LLCs are required to observe certain formalities, such as holding regular meetings, maintaining separate financial records, and avoiding commingling of personal and corporate assets. If these formalities are not observed and the corporate structure is used as a mere façade, courts may disregard the corporate entity.
Alter Ego: If there is such a unity of interest and ownership between the corporation and its shareholders or members that the separate personalities of the corporation and the individuals no longer exist, courts may treat the corporation as the alter ego of its owners and hold them personally liable.
Group Enterprises: In some cases, where multiple corporations are closely related or form part of a single economic unit, courts may pierce the corporate veil to achieve equity, particularly if one corporation's actions harm creditors or other stakeholders and the corporate structure is being used to shield culpable parties from liability.
Synopsis On Annual General Meeting/Extra Ordinary General Meeting With Ordinary And Special Businesses And Ordinary And Special Resolutions with Companies (Postal Ballot) Regulations, 2018
सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने यह भी माना था कि मजिस्ट्रेट का यह कर्तव्य है कि वह सुनिश्चित करे कि अधिकारी पीएमएलए के तहत निर्धारित प्रक्रिया के साथ-साथ संवैधानिक सुरक्षा उपायों का भी उचित रूप से पालन करें।
Defending Weapons Offence Charges: Role of Mississauga Criminal Defence LawyersHarpreetSaini48
Discover how Mississauga criminal defence lawyers defend clients facing weapon offence charges with expert legal guidance and courtroom representation.
To know more visit: https://www.saini-law.com/
What are the common challenges faced by women lawyers working in the legal pr...lawyersonia
The legal profession, which has historically been male-dominated, has experienced a significant increase in the number of women entering the field over the past few decades. Despite this progress, women lawyers continue to encounter various challenges as they strive for top positions.
This document briefly explains the June compliance calendar 2024 with income tax returns, PF, ESI, and important due dates, forms to be filled out, periods, and who should file them?.
Matthew Professional CV experienced Government LiaisonMattGardner52
As an experienced Government Liaison, I have demonstrated expertise in Corporate Governance. My skill set includes senior-level management in Contract Management, Legal Support, and Diplomatic Relations. I have also gained proficiency as a Corporate Liaison, utilizing my strong background in accounting, finance, and legal, with a Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from California State University. My Administrative Skills further strengthen my ability to contribute to the growth and success of any organization.
2. 359
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
A neo-communitarian approach on human rights as a cosmopolitan imperative in East Asia
RI (権利)’ é considerado o termo japonês que corresponde a direitos humanos.
Entretanto, Fukuzawa Yukichi, o mais influente líder intelectual do início do
período Meiji, introduziu os direitos humanos como ‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’.
No mais fundamental texto do confucionismo, nos ensinamentos de Confúcio
(551-479 a.C.) intitulados Analectos, o caractere chinês ‘KEN (権)’ significa ser
capaz de ponderar os eventos que ocorrem e de determinar a aplicação de
princípios a eles. Na proposta do filósofo japonês Tomonobu Imamichi, ‘GI
(義)’, geralmente tido como justiça, significa originalmente responsabilidade.
Assim, ‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’ pode ser reinterpretado como ser capaz
de aplicar na prática princípios (理) a esses eventos, ao mesmo tempo em que
se assume responsabilidade (義) diante do Céu e da comunidade à qual se
pertence. Essa concepção do ser humano como ser imerso em comunidades
e como centro de responsabilidade nas dimensões secular e transcendente
é aparentemente distinto da concepção filosófica ocidental do ser humano
como ser racional capaz de agir de acordo com a lei universal, mas ainda assim
defende os direitos humanos e o desenvolvimento democrático da sociedade.
Palavras-chave: direitos humanos, fundamentação filosófica, confucionismo.
Introduction
In this article, I would like to present an alternative conception of the Japanese
philosophical foundation for human rights.
Human rights contain legal norms and their underlying foundation (Taylor,
1999), as Charles Taylor aptly puts forward.
Human rights must find an appropriate philosophical foundation/justification
to be incorporated into non-Western societies and such a foundation/justification
must be attractive and inspiring for ordinary citizens in those societies and be based
on their own intellectual resources, including local languages.
For instance, even basic human needs such as desire for food, water and
communication take on different expressions in different languages.
So, although basic human needs constitute the foundation for human rights,
we still need a different reasoning/justification, specific to each language and society.
It is also my basic assumption that each society, which sometimes is not lim-
ited by territorial boundaries in the age of globalization, has its own social moral
order with a certain conception of humans and society, historically developed in
that society. In other words, any philosophical justification of human rights must
contain a particular conception of social moral order with its own philosophical
view of humans and society.
This philosophical justification of human rights could be formulated by de-
constructing and reconstructing each local tradition/culture and through a dynamic
intermingling and interaction among communities within a state and other societies
beyond national borders (Levy, 2010).
For this exercise, a ‘neo-communitarian’2
approach seems useful and viable in
East Asia because what we need in the midst of ongoing individualization without
individualism in East Asia (Kyung-Sup and Min-Young, 2010) is a new normative
reasoning for the vision of the future which individualization is bringing into East
Asia, and such normative reasoning must be based on the tradition available in the
region, well-known to ordinary citizens (Han and Shim, 2010).
2
The term ‘neo’ of ‘neo-communitarian” means breaking away from all traditional and authoritarian types of
collectivism and simultaneously embracing and defending individuality within a flourishing community (Han
and Shim, 2010).
3. 360
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
Akihiko Morita
In this sense, a neo-communitarian reasoning on human rights based on
traditions is worth exploring.
I believe that articulating neo-communitarian reasoning(s) on human rights
in East Asia will complement and enrich the promising cosmopolitan approach to
human rights as a cosmopolitan imperative advocated by Ulrich Beck, particularly
in East Asia (Beck, 2002; Beck and Grande, 2010).
In advance, I would like to present my propositions as follows:
(i) Universal human rights can and should be justified by different cultures
through their own terms and perspectives, expecting that an overlapping
consensus on the norms of human rights may emerge from those self-
searching exercises and mutual dialogue3
.
(ii) North-east Asian societies, China, Korea and Japan, share the Confucian tradi-
tion, even though Japan has never been a Confucian state in a strict sense.
(iii)Every society has a particular social moral order, including its own concep-
tion of humans and society, supported and developed in its own tradition,
including language.
(iv)The Neo-confucian conception of self, articulated by Tu-Weiming as a
center of relationships and as a dynamic process of spiritual development
(Tu, 1986, p. 113), is compatible with the modern conception of self as
the subject of human rights in the West.
(v) Likewise, Japan could formulate an alternative conception of self, utilizing
the intellectual resources in East Asia, although its composition might be
different from the ones in China and Korea.
An alternative model of self
Even today, a considerable number of Japanese people show a sense of un-
easiness toward human rights, claiming, for instance, that teaching human rights
to children makes them selfish and egoistic and that children must first learn obliga-
tion and responsibility, although both the government and citizens formally follow
human rights as the legal norms.
In order to address this ambivalent attitude of Japanese people toward human
rights, it seems useful to employ the dual distinction of human rights presented by
Charles Taylor, namely human rights as legal language and their underlying philosophi-
cal foundation4
. To Japanese people, individualism as the underlying foundation of
human rights, which they feel originated in the West, is something foreign although
they adhere to human rights as official legal norms imposed by the government.
In Taylor’s account, in the West, the ideas of modern society were articulated
as the theory of natural law in the 17th
century mainly by Grotius and Locke. This
theory is based on a certain conception of human being and society, which is that
individuals, on their own judgments, voluntarily come to an agreement with each
other and form society in order to promote their mutual benefit. Individuals are
supposed to be endowed with natural rights as subjects of rights. This modern self,
as an autonomous and rational agent, is supposed to take a disengaged stance
toward the world, including themselves, and to be able to act as sovereign people,
formulating a commonly elaborated opinion in the public sphere while managing
to make a living as an independent agent in the market economy (Taylor, 2007).
3
Joseph Chan contrasted the ecumenical approach with the fundamentalist approach, which is that there
are universal values and moral principles on the basis of which one can justify human rights to all reasonable
persons (Chan, 1999).
4
“The notion of (subjective) rights both serves to define certain legal powers and also provides the master
image for a philosophy of human nature, of individuals and their societies” (Taylor, 1999, p. 127).
4. 361
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
A neo-communitarian approach on human rights as a cosmopolitan imperative in East Asia
This concept of human being, of self as the subject of rights5
, is the key con-
cept of the modern social imaginaries in the West, including human rights.
So, we may raise the question whether modernity, be it the first or the second,
be it stretched or compressed, is possible with a different conception of the self.
Is the Western modern self the only possible modern self?
Both empirical and historical studies refute this claim.
Çiğdem Kağitçibaşi, a Turkish psychologist, makes the following point:
American (and Western) psychology, both reflecting and reinforcing the individualistic
Western cultural ethos, has drawn the line narrowly and sharply, constituting a clear
boundary between self and non-self (Kağitçibaşi, 1996, p. 55).
She employs the three ideal-typical family/human models:
(i) The model of inter-generational interdependence in both the material and
the emotional dimension,
(ii) The model of complete independence in both dimensions,
(iii)The model of emotional interdependence without material independence
(Kağitçibaşi, 1996, p. 76-97).
She holds that it is widely observed that although material dependence on
parents by children decrease with socioeconomic development in the Majority World
(non-Western societies), emotional dependency remains (Kağitçibaşi, 1996, p. 86).
In her account, the third model reveals the causal antecedents of the devel-
opment of the autonomous-related self through societal/familial change, which
integrates both autonomy and relatedness (Kağitçibaşi, 1996, p. 89).
Taylor also admits that the Western modern notion of inner and outer is
strange and without precedent in other cultures and times (Taylor, 1989, p. 114)6
.
In Taylor’s account, what distinguishes the West from the others in terms of
modernity is that the process was accompanied by a growing sense of uneasiness
towards church-controlled collective rituals and magic and that secularization in
the West has evolved as a negation of magic, religious collective rituals, while in
Japan collective rituals are not seen negatively7
.
In my view, this explains why the Western modern self had to enclose its
boundaries completely. On the contrary, in Japan, the porous self did not find it
necessary to close itself against the world completely.
So, based on this self model, Japan could be defined as the society in which
self remains partially porous, “relational” in Kağitçibaşi’s term, even after it is in-
stitutionally modernized.
Japanese philosophical foundation for human
rights: A reinterpretation of the conventional
understanding of ‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’
Now I would like to put forward my idea of the Japanese philosophical foun-
dation for human rights.
5
Taylor explained the meaning of subjective right as something on which the possessor, subject of right, can
and ought to act in order to put it into effect (Taylor, 1989, p. 11).
6
Taylor also holds that this very clear-cut distinction (between ‘this world’, or the immanent, and the
transcendent) is itself a product of the development of Latin Christendom (Taylor, 2007, p. xvii-xix).
7
In an interview with Charles Taylor on November 15th
, 2008 (Taylor, 2009).
5. 362
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
Akihiko Morita
First, I will explain the brief history of the translation of human rights into
Japanese, KEN (権) RI (利), refer to the ensuing criticism around this translation and
then discuss another translation of human rights by Yukichi Fukuzawa, KEN (権) RI
(理) TSUU (通) GI (義).
Then, I will present my own re-interpretation of KEN (権) KEN (権) RI (理) TSUU
(通) GI (義)as a plausible alternative. I will, then, compare this alternative formation
with the one based on Theravada Buddhism in Thailand and the modern Chinese
self articulated by Tu Wei-Ming.
Finally, I will highlight the difference between this Japanese philosophical
view of human and society and the one developed in the West.
The brief history of translating human rights in Japan
‘KEN RI (権利)’ is now considered as the Japanese term corresponding to
human rights.
‘KEN (権)’, the Chinese character, appeared in the Chinese classics such as
“XUN ZI (荀子)”, the Confucian book written by Xun Zi (荀子) (313-238 B.C.), which
at the time meant power and benefit.
‘KEN (権)’ in the modern meaning appeared as the Chinese translation of
human rights in the Chinese version of Elements of International Law, which was
originally published in 1836 by Henry Wheaton (1785-1848), translated into Chinese
and published by William Martin (1827-1916) in 1864 and immediately introduced
in Japan. Then, the Japanese text(万国公法) was published by Kaiseijo, the center
for research and education of Edo-shogunate, the feudal regime of Japan, in 1865.
It was translated by Amane Nishi, who is usually considered as the first scholar who
introduced the concept of human rights in Japan.
Akira Manabu pointed out that Nishi mixed up the two different KEN (権)s,
the traditional meaning of power and the translated meaning of right, which was
a meaning strictly opposed to power in the history of Western thought8
.
Manabu comments as follows:
Today we use the word kenri, which is often expressed with a character ken, such
as the same ken of woman and man, and ken to enjoy sunshine etc. The traditional
meaning of ken is, I believe, still living.
Ken has inevitably some sense of thrusting or by force. For instance, when we mention
this word in our daily life, we are apt to feel constrained. This word feeling is living
in the concrete expression of this word in its ordinary use (Manabu, 1982, p. 172).
In Manabu’s account, when Nishi translated the original Dutch text of Ele-
ments of International Law, he chose ‘KEN (権)’ as the term for “regt”, a Dutch word
which meant both power and law in the sense that the international law (“regt”)
is based on a nation’s “regt”, which means power (Manabu, 1982, p. 162-165).
Manabu holds that KEN (権) was first introduced as a term of public law by
Nishi and must have had an unexpectedly deep influence upon the minken (freedom
and civil rights) movement in the 1870’s and 1880’s. In Manabu’s account, minken
campaigners demanded essentially the same KEN(権) as the one of government, i.e.
power as the right to participate in politics, while they did not care so much about
KEN(権) of the fundamental human rights (Manabu, 1982, p. 171).
8
Akira Manabu, The History of Translating Words in Japan (翻訳語成立事情), originally published in Japanese
by Iwanami Bookstore in 1982. The English version in the following URL is a test translation by the author
(http://www.japanlink.co.jp/ol/rig.html).
6. 363
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
A neo-communitarian approach on human rights as a cosmopolitan imperative in East Asia
However, in the early Meiji period, there was another attempt at translating
human rights.
Fukuzawa Yukichi, the most influential intellectual leader of the day, intro-
duced human rights as ‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’ or ‘KEN RI (権理)’ in the second
article of Gakumon no susume (An Invitation to learning), published in 1873. Fu-
kuzawa explained ‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’ as the great justice (大義) meaning
that people should respect life, preserve property and care for honor. In Fukuzawa’s
account, ‘KEN RI(権理)’ is the freedom in which each human can seek the fulfillment
of their own desire without hindering others. It should be noted that instead of RI
(利), which usually means profit, Fukuzawa employed RI (理), which is considered as
the ultimate principle beyond Heaven and Earth, but also exists in each individual
thing, according to the philosophy of the Chu His school (Yukichi, 2005, p. 21-22).
Apparently, Fukuzawa’s translation grasped the meaning of human rights
much more accurately than Nishi’s one.
Now, following Fukuzawa’s account, I would like to reexamine and reconstruct
the Japanese terms for human rights.
An alternative reinterpretation of ‘KEN RI TSUU GI
(権理通義)’
It is said that ‘KEN(権)’, the Chinese character, originally meant power and
benefit.
However, in the most fundamental text of Confucianism, the teachings of
Confucius (551-479 B.C.), Analects, ‘KEN (権)’ was used differently.
There are some with whom we may study in common, but we shall find them unable
to go along with us to principles. Perhaps we may go on with them to principles, but
we shall find them unable to get established in those along with us. Or if we may get
so established along with them, we shall find them unable to weigh occurring events
along with us (The Confucian Analects, 2009, p. 225-226).
KEN (権)’ in this chapter means being able to weigh occurring events and
determine the application of principles to them (The Confucian Analects, 2009,
p. 226). ‘KEN (権)’ in this meaning does not have any reference to power. Rather,
‘KEN (権)’ in this chapter means the capacity for practical reasoning and dealing
with occurring events.
‘GI (義)’, usually considered as justice, has also a different meaning. Tomonobu
Imamichi, a Japanese philosopher, holds that ‘GI (義)’, the Chinese character, origi-
nally signifies I (我) shouldering sheep, the victim animals dedicated to Heaven,
which means that I assume both vertical responsibility before Heaven and horizontal
responsibility before the fellow villagers who entrusted to me the sacred mission of
presenting the victim animal to Heaven at the festival. In Imamichi’s account, ‘GI (義)’
was introduced in Europe from China at the end of 17th
century and translated into
“justice” in the 18th
century, since there had been no English term for “responsibil-
ity there until the late 18th century. Imamichi holds that ‘GI (義)’ originally meant
responsibility (Imamichi, 2010, p. 172-174).
Now, if we accept the above-mentioned two different interpretations of ‘KEN
(権)’ and ‘GI (義)’, we could formulate a different reasoning on human rights.
‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’ means being able to weigh occurring events
and determine the application of principles (理) to them while assuming respon-
sibility (義) before Heaven and the community to which the person belongs.
7. 364
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
Akihiko Morita
This reinterpretation of ‘KEN RI TSUU GI (権理通義)’ presupposes the view of humans
as being embedded in communities and as centers of responsibility in the secular
and transcendental dimensions.
This view of humans is compatible with the autonomous relational self pre-
sented by Kağitçibaşi.
Now, let me try to compare this conception with the other East Asian
formations.
Taylor contrasts Theravada Buddhism with the Western modern discourse on
human rights and democracy. According to Taylor, in Thailand there were several
attempts to reinterpret the majority religion, Theravada Buddhism, in the 19th
cen-
tury (Taylor, 1999, p. 133).
Taylor summarizes the two major principles in this reform movement which
have created a basis for a democratic society and human rights as follows.
The first is the notion, central to Buddhism, that ultimately each individual must take
responsibility for his or her own Enlightenment. The second is a new application of the
doctrine of nonviolence, which is now seen to call for a respect for the autonomy of
each person, demanding in effect a minimal use of coercion in human affairs (Taylor,
1999, p. 134).
Taylor concludes that while both democracy and human rights have been
furthered along with the exclusive humanism stressing the incompatible importance
of the human agent in the West, the convergence on a policy of defense of human
rights and democratic development in Thailand took a different path, but arrived
at the same norms (Taylor, 1999, p. 135-136).
Tu Wei-Ming also explained the East Asian social norm as follows.
The sense that one is obliged to, and responsible for, an ever-expanding network of
human relatedness may not be a constraint on one’s independence and autonomy. On
the contrary, since personal dignity is predicated on one’s ability not only to establish
oneself but also to take care of others, one’s level of independence and autonomy
is measurable in terms of the degree to which one fulfills obligations and discharges
responsibilities to family, community, state, the world, and Heaven (Wei-Ming, 1997,
p. 8).
The view of humans as being embedded in communities and as centers of
responsibility in the secular and transcendental dimensions, striving to become
capable to weigh occurring events and determine the application of principles to
them, is apparently different from the Western philosophical view of humans as
rational beings with the capacity of acting according to the universal law.
However, as Taylor concludes about the Thai case, this view of humans also defends
human rights and the democratic development of society.
Conclusion
My proposition is that the cosmopolitan nature of human rights is compat-
ible with and even complemented by the neo-communitarian approach, specific to
each region, based on the ecumenical approach articulated by Joseph Chan, which
is the idea that universal human rights can and should be justified by different
cultures through their own terms and perspectives, expecting that an overlapping
consensus on the norms of human rights may emerge from those self-searching
8. 365
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
A neo-communitarian approach on human rights as a cosmopolitan imperative in East Asia
exercises and mutual dialogue. Hence, in my understanding, we should be satisfied
with the claim that Asian values, whether from Confucianism or Buddhism, can be
compatible with human rights as the universal social norm.
One of the remaining questions for my approach is whether human rights in
this current form are as universal as legal language.
Responding to this, I would like to refer to the following tripartite distinction
presented by Charles Taylor.
It might help to structure our thinking if we made a tripartite distinction.
What we are looking for, in the end, is a world consensus on certain norms of conduct
enforceable on governments.
To be accepted in any given society, these would in each case have to repose on some
widely acknowledged philosophical justification, and to be enforced, they would have
to find expression in legal mechanisms.
One way to putting our central question might be this: What variations can we imagine
in philosophical justifications or in legal forms that would still be compatible with a
meaningful universal consensus on what really matters to us, the enforceable norms?
(Taylor, 1999, p. 129).
We may have to develop and articulate a regional common legal form in East
Asia, which has already been developed in the European, African and American
continents as the regional human rights charters. Additionally, it should be noted
that one of the main reasons why African states wished to create their own regional
charter of children’s rights was that they felt that the Convention on the Rights of
the Child, adopted at United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989,
does not reflect the specific needs of African children.
Another more fundamental issue has to do with the Japanese philosophical
foundation for human rights. In this article, I only focus on the alternative inter-
pretation of human rights based on the most fundamental text of Confucianism,
Analects.
Although Chinese culture, including its characters and Confucian teachings, is
one of the main foundations of the so-called “Japanese culture”, Japan has different
social moral orders of non-Confucian origin and of local uniqueness.
So, the next challenge might be the explication and articulation of political
identities based on such a locally oriented uniqueness that are compatible with
liberal democratic principles9
.
References
BECK, U. 2002. Macht und Gegenmacht im globalen Zeit alter: Neue weltpolitishe
Ökonomie. Frankfurt, Suhrkamp Verlag, 480 p.
BECK, U.; GRANDE, E. 2010. Varieties of second modernity: The cosmopolitan
turn in social and political theory and research. The British Journal of Sociology,
61(3):409-443. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-4446.2010.01320.x
CHAN, J. 1999. A Confucian perspective on human rights for contemporary China.
In: J.R. BAUER; D.A. BELL (eds.), The East Asian challenge for Human Rights.
Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, p. 212-237.
COMMISSION on Reasonable Accommodation with regard to cultural differences
9
“(State) is democratic insofar as political power ultimately resides with the people, who delegates such
power to representatives who exercise it in the people’s name for a given period and liberal if individual rights
and freedoms are deemed to be fundamental and thus confirmed and protected by the State” (Commission
on Reasonable Accommodation with regard to cultural differences in the province of Quebec, 2008, p. 35).
9. 366
Filosofia Unisinos, 13(3):358-366, sep/dec 2012
Akihiko Morita
in the province of Quebec. 2008. Building a future: A time for reconciliation.
Québec, Government of Québec, 95 p.
HAN, S.-J.; SHIM, Y.-H. 2010. Redefining second modernity for East Asia: A critical
assessment a critical assessment. The British Journal of Sociology, 61(3):465-488.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-4446.2010.01322.x
IMAMICHI, T. 2010. 今道友信 わが哲学を語る (Exposition of my philosophical per-
spective: New mode of introduction to philosophization), Kamakura, Kamakura
Shunjuu sha, 333 p.
KAĞITÇIBAŞI, Ç. 1996. Family and human development across aultures: A view
From the other side. Abingdon, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, 233 p.
KYUNG-SUP; MIN-YOUNG. 2010. The stranded individualizer under compressed
modernity: South Korean women in individualization without individualism. The
British Journal of Sociology, 61(3):539-564. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-
4446.2010.01325.x
LEVY, D. 2010. Recursive cosmopolitanization: Argentina and the global Human
Rights Regime. The British Journal of Sociology, 61(3):579-596. http://dx.doi.
org/10.1111/j.1468-4446.2010.01327.x
MANABU, A. 1982. The history of translating words in Japan (翻訳語成立事情),
Tokyo, Iwanami Shoten, 212 p.
TAYLOR, C. 1999. Conditions of an unforced consensus on human rights. In: J.R.
BAUER; D.A. BELL (eds.), The East Asian challenge for Human Rights. Cambridge,
Cambridge University Press, p. 124-144.
TAYLOR, C. 1989. Sources of the self: The making of the modern identity. Cambridge,
Cambridge University Press, 601 p.
TAYLOR, C. 2009. Religion and democracy: Multiple secularizations. KAN (環), 37,
Tokyo, Fujiwara Shoten, p. 146-153.
TAYLOR, C. 2007. A Secular Age, Cambridge/London, The Belknap Press of Harvard
University Press, 874 p.
THE CONFUCIAN ANALECTS. 2009 [1893]. The Great Learning & the Doctrine of
Mean, IX, New York, Cosimo, Inc., 503 p.
WEI-MING, T. 1997. Confucian tradition in East Asian Modernity. Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts, Harvard University Press, 418 p.
YUKICHI, F. 2005 [1872-1876]. Gakumon no susume (An Invitation to learning),
Iwanami-shoten, 206 p.
Submitted on February 10, 2012
Accepted on November 1, 2012