Review by Choice Review
This edited collection of essays originally presented at an Amherst College Conference in November of 1992 may be another example of a growing trend, perhaps motivated by the "publish or perish" syndrome that academics are increasingly tyrannized by, and presents some difficulty for the reviewer. The essays attempt to look at rights from a philosophical and historical standpoint, hence range from a historical discussion of Lincoln and slavery to a more esoteric essay by Schlag, who looks at rights within a postmodern context. An essay by Waldron discusses rights from a concept of empowerment that enables people of all classes and groups to put forward their needs or rights as equals. It is striking to note the number of essays in which Ronald Dworkin is cited or may even be the protagonist against whom the writers seem to test their arguments. The Perry essay looks at human rights and religious belief, and seems to suggest that human rights based on the notion of human dignity cannot be detached from some belief in a supreme being, although such a belief need not be tied to any established religion. A thoughtful and stimulating contribution to the literature of human rights. For academic readers, all levels. E. W. Webking University of Lethbridge
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
