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In search of a universal human rights metaphor

Moral conversations across differences

Bibliographic Data

ID8856941
AuthorsMordechai Gordon (0000-0001-6842-9071, Quinnipiac University, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume50
Issue1
Pages83-94
Publication date2017-06-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational Philosophy and Theory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0013-1857 • E-ISSN: 1469-5812
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00131857.2017.1336920
OpenAlexW2625955190
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited6

This article takes up the educational challenge of the framers of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Specifically, the author explores the question of: how can we talk about a universal conception of human rights in a way that both respects the need for cultural pluralism and the necessity to protect those rights and freedoms that all people—regardless of differences such as race, class, culture, or religion—are entitled to? What metaphor or metaphors can be useful for us to speak clearly and coherently about the issue of universal human rights in a diverse world? The author examines a prevailing yet problematic metaphor, which Makau Mutua critiques in his well-known essay ‘Savages, Victims and Saviors: The Metaphor of Human Rights.’ He then attempts to articulate some common values that can serve as a foundation for an alternative conception of human rights. Next, he proposes an alternative metaphor—the Buddhist notion of equalizing and exchanging self and other—that more aptly captures the complexity and contradictions of talking about universal human rights. Finally, he turns to the role of education in helping people become familiar with and respect this alternative metaphor

Declaration · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Human rights · Metaphor · Pluralism (philosophy · Political science · Sociology · Law · Peace and Human Rights Education · Philosophy · Political Philosophy and Ethics · Religious Education and Schools

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Unique citing works2
Citations per year1
Citation span2024 - 2026 (3)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 2

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