ABSTRACT

The Proliferation of Rights explores how the assertion of rights has expanded dramatically since World War II. Carl Wellman illuminates for the reader the historical developments in each of the major categories of rights, including human rights, civil rights, women's rights, patient rights, and animal rights. He concludes by assessing where this proliferation has been legitimate and helpful, cases where it has been illusory and unproductive, and alternatives to the appeal to rights.

chapter 1|12 pages

Some Critical Questions

chapter 2|28 pages

The Development of Human Rights

chapter 3|31 pages

New Civil Rights

chapter 4|24 pages

Women’s Rights and Feminist Theory

chapter 5|33 pages

Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics

chapter 6|36 pages

New Medical Rights

chapter 7|16 pages

An Appraisal