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@article{
  author = {Vizard, Polly},
  title = {Antecedents of the Idea of Human Rights},
  journal = {UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)},
  year = {2000},
  location = {New York},
  URL = {},
  abstract = {This paper surveys some of the antecedents of the modern idea of human rights. It begins with an analysis of the evolution of ideas of natural law and natural rights in Western ethical traditions and political thought. Some points of departure for responding to the relativist critique are then mapped out and the ideas of human rights thinkers and activists from around the world are examined in the context of different philosophies and religions. The paper concludes that in diverse countries and cultures, the presence of deep-rooted traditions of universalism, tolerance, freedom, concern for the poor and needy, interpersonal obligation and government responsibility provide foundations for the development of modern theories of human rights. Furthermore, the modern idea of human rights is itself changing and evolving in response to diverse influences. New conceptual frameworks are emerging for thinking about the cross-cultural foundations of human rights, and for thinking about human rights, poverty and development.}
}

AU - Vizard, Polly
TI - Antecedents of the Idea of Human Rights
PT - Journal Article
DP - 2000
TA - UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
AB - This paper surveys some of the antecedents of the modern idea of human rights. It begins with an analysis of the evolution of ideas of natural law and natural rights in Western ethical traditions and political thought. Some points of departure for responding to the relativist critique are then mapped out and the ideas of human rights thinkers and activists from around the world are examined in the context of different philosophies and religions. The paper concludes that in diverse countries and cultures, the presence of deep-rooted traditions of universalism, tolerance, freedom, concern for the poor and needy, interpersonal obligation and government responsibility provide foundations for the development of modern theories of human rights. Furthermore, the modern idea of human rights is itself changing and evolving in response to diverse influences. New conceptual frameworks are emerging for thinking about the cross-cultural foundations of human rights, and for thinking about human rights, poverty and development.

%0 Journal Article
%A Vizard, Polly
%T Antecedents of the Idea of Human Rights
%D 2000
%J UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
%U ,
%X This paper surveys some of the antecedents of the modern idea of human rights. It begins with an analysis of the evolution of ideas of natural law and natural rights in Western ethical traditions and political thought. Some points of departure for responding to the relativist critique are then mapped out and the ideas of human rights thinkers and activists from around the world are examined in the context of different philosophies and religions. The paper concludes that in diverse countries and cultures, the presence of deep-rooted traditions of universalism, tolerance, freedom, concern for the poor and needy, interpersonal obligation and government responsibility provide foundations for the development of modern theories of human rights. Furthermore, the modern idea of human rights is itself changing and evolving in response to diverse influences. New conceptual frameworks are emerging for thinking about the cross-cultural foundations of human rights, and for thinking about human rights, poverty and development.

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Vizard, Polly
TI  - Antecedents of the Idea of Human Rights
PY  - 2000
JF  - UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
UR  - ,
AB  - This paper surveys some of the antecedents of the modern idea of human rights. It begins with an analysis of the evolution of ideas of natural law and natural rights in Western ethical traditions and political thought. Some points of departure for responding to the relativist critique are then mapped out and the ideas of human rights thinkers and activists from around the world are examined in the context of different philosophies and religions. The paper concludes that in diverse countries and cultures, the presence of deep-rooted traditions of universalism, tolerance, freedom, concern for the poor and needy, interpersonal obligation and government responsibility provide foundations for the development of modern theories of human rights. Furthermore, the modern idea of human rights is itself changing and evolving in response to diverse influences. New conceptual frameworks are emerging for thinking about the cross-cultural foundations of human rights, and for thinking about human rights, poverty and development.

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Antecedents of the Idea of Human Rights
AU  - Vizard, Polly
PY  - 2000
JF  - UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
UR  - ,
AB  - This paper surveys some of the antecedents of the modern idea of human rights. It begins with an analysis of the evolution of ideas of natural law and natural rights in Western ethical traditions and political thought. Some points of departure for responding to the relativist critique are then mapped out and the ideas of human rights thinkers and activists from around the world are examined in the context of different philosophies and religions. The paper concludes that in diverse countries and cultures, the presence of deep-rooted traditions of universalism, tolerance, freedom, concern for the poor and needy, interpersonal obligation and government responsibility provide foundations for the development of modern theories of human rights. Furthermore, the modern idea of human rights is itself changing and evolving in response to diverse influences. New conceptual frameworks are emerging for thinking about the cross-cultural foundations of human rights, and for thinking about human rights, poverty and development.