Single Idea 23835

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 1. Basis of Rights]

Full Idea

A right is effectual only in relation to its corresponding obligation, springing not from the individual who possesses it, but from others who consider themselves under an obligation to him. In isolation a man only has duties, and only others have rights.

Gist of Idea

People have duties, and only have rights because of the obligations of others to them

Source

Simone Weil (The Need for Roots [1943], I 'Needs')

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'The Need for Roots' [Routledge 2002], p.3


A Reaction

This seems correct, and obviously refutes the idea that people have intrinsic natural rights. However, it may be our sense of what nature requires which gives rise to the obligations we feel towards others.

Related Idea

Idea 23836 Obligations only bind individuals, not collectives [Weil]