Monday, February 9, 2009

Waldron-McDonald

While reading this first article, I attempted to find McDonald's explanation of why humans have rights. Although I am a little confused about natural law and natural laws, McDonald claims that humans have rights because of their ability to reason and think rationally. Further, McDonald agrees with Locke, saying that men are subject to natural law even before the creation of society. Even under such conditions, there are instances where this natural law or right is not recognized. Slaves, for example ought to be free, yet they are not because their moral right is not legally recongnized.

Interestingly, McDonald argues that rationality in humans involves abstract thinking. Although certain non human animals have the capacity to live in societies and have simple forms of government, they cannot think in the manner of symbols. That is what elevates them above other animals and gives them right to claim moral rights.

I was hoping that we can elaborane on the following quote in class.
"Perhaps, ultimately, men get the societies and governments which they choose, even if not those they deserve, for they may deserve better than passion, indolance and ignorance permits them to choose." (36)

It was one among the most interesting/puzzling ones I encountered.

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