ABSTRACT
The chapter will examine and compare the views of Hayek and Popper on negative rights and negative utility and begin the task of defending philosophically the idea that, for a cosmopolitan outlook, they are the only rationally defensible types of rights or utility. We start by examining the concepts of utility in philosophy, economics and politics. Then we will move to human rights including positive rights and their relation to questions of welfare, equity and “social” justice. We finish with the logic of rights and duties. The comparison of various contemporary ethical philosophies also helps to prepare the way for Part V.
