Abstract
Among Buddhists it is a disputed issue whether the idea of human rights (as distinct from the content of particular rights themselves) can find justification from a Buddhist doctrinal point of view. The problem is taken up in three steps. Firstly, following Michael Ignatieff, the idea of human rights idea is defined as centering around the protection of individual free agency. Secondly, supportive ideas in traditional Buddhist doctrine are located on the one hand in early ideals of “dhammic” kingship, and on the other hand in the importance given to human freedom within Buddhist soteriology. Thirdly, Buddhist critiques of the notion of human rights are addressed and related to the wider debate on so-called “Asian values”. A constructive solution is suggested by balancing individual rights and responsibilities.
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