Abstract
This chapter engages with the emergence of human rights as a new or even last ‘utopia’ in understanding of human rights as a relatively novel core part—and raison d’etre—of modern democratic societies. Historians understand the emergence of human rights as an ‘agenda-setting topic’ and, as part of an increasingly popular political imagination and set of claims, as an intrinsic dimension of a complex period of change—the ‘long 1970s. Human rights had ‘serious political and social momentum’ in wake of two world wars. A human rights narrative became a significant marker of democratic and democratising societies. In fact, the clamorous revival of the idea of human rights identifies a significant intellectual turning point inside of the republique des lettres and in the circle of old militants: a new orientation. The chapter concludes with Gauchet’s powerful depiction of ‘legal democracy’ and his assessment of the negative impact of human rights on collective political projects (leading to populism trying to ‘fill the void’).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.