What's Wrong with Rights?

The idea of human rights has become foundational in our legal system. Rights also bridge morality and politics, and underpin our sense of what it means to be human. But where do rights come from? Can non-human beings have rights? And does the rights model reinforce individualism? We discuss the advantages and limitations of the rights model and ask if we can think—philosophically, ethically, and politically—beyond rights.

Meet our speakers and chair

Adam Etinson is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of St. Andrews.

Yoriko Otomo is a Lecturer in Law at the University of London (SOAS).

Lyndsey Stonebridge (@LyndseyStonebri) is Professor of Humanities and Human Rights at the University of Birmingham.

Danielle Sands (@DanielleCSands) is a Fellow at the Forum for Philosophy and Senior Lecturer in Comparative Literature and Thought at RHUL.

More about this event

The Forum for Philosophy (@forumphilosophy) hosts events exploring science, politics, and culture from a philosophical perspective.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEForum

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LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.