What are Rights?

Project Overview

Rights are among the most frequently invoked yet persistently debated concepts in global discourse. Are rights inherent to our nature—universal claims every sentient being possesses—or are they constructs shaped by legal, social, and political forces? This project seeks to illuminate the true essence of rights, challenging us to determine whether they are pre-existing moral claims or instruments devised to protect and promote human well-being.

Why It Matters

The clarity with which we understand rights is essential to promoting human dignity and social justice. Persistent ambiguities in defining rights can undermine policy, advocacy, and everyday practice. By establishing a clear and standardized framework for rights, we lay the groundwork for more effective, principled approaches to protecting and advancing them globally.

Key Questions

Are rights intrinsic to all sentient beings, or do they emerge solely from societal constructs?
How do legal and moral perspectives on rights intersect—and where do they diverge?
Can rights be objectively measured, and if so, what metrics can capture their true essence?
What is the relationship between the protection of rights and the overall welfare of individuals and communities?

Get Involved

We invite researchers, legal scholars, policymakers, and advocates to join us in this essential inquiry. By engaging with the question “What Are Rights?”, you can contribute to shaping a future where rights are clearly defined, rigorously protected, and universally respected.

Together, let’s work toward a world where the true essence of rights is understood and upheld—ensuring a more just and equitable future for all.

Research Approach

Our approach is grounded in rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry and essentialist analysis. We focus on:

Examining Foundational Debates:
We scrutinize diverse perspectives in philosophy, law, and political science to reveal the core assumptions that shape our understanding of rights.
Developing a Standardized Framework:
By identifying the defining characteristics of rights, we transform them from vague concepts into measurable, actionable criteria.
Enhancing Conceptual Clarity:
Our goal is to foster reproducibility and transparency in rights research, ensuring that our insights can guide robust rights-based policies and advocacy..

Potential Impact

By redefining the essence of rights through rigorous inquiry, our research aims to:

Inform Policy:
Deliver evidence-based insights that strengthen rights-based frameworks at every level of governance.
Unify Academic Discourse:
Bridge divergent theoretical perspectives by establishing a clear, common understanding of rights.
Empower Advocacy:
Provide human rights defenders and policymakers with the tools needed to implement transformative, principled change.

Featured Publication

(Research under production)

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