Sunday, January 24, 2016

Freedom, Equality, Human Right

The traditional concept of Natural Right has entailed Freedom and Equality.  Now, over the centuries there have been objections to the characterization of the latter as 'natural', on the grounds that Nature evinces great differences, e. g. of height, of power, etc.  However, such complaints have rarely also recognized that the former is also lacking in a system, e. g. Newton's, governed by Causal relations.  In any case, the status of each in the concept of Human Right is more refined.  Since the concept is derived from that of Species-Being, absolute Freedom, i. e. to opt out of the Species, is precluded, and, likewise, insofar as all members are subject to a Species-Principle, 'freedom of choice' is only ever at a subordinate level, e. g  hunger may be inescapable, but one can choose what to eat.  In contrast, each is equally a member of the Species, though the roles played within the collective may be differentiated with respect to significance, privileges etc.  In other words, any actual inequality is delimited by Species-Being.  So, structurally, Equality is more fundamental in Human Rights than is Freedom, though concretely, they are each vital factors, but variably so, depending on circumstances.

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