more from Michel Foucault

Single Idea 21940

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 3. Natural Values / c. Natural rights]

Full Idea

The decision 'to prefer the risk of death to the certainty of having to obey' is the 'last anchor point' for any assertion of rights, 'one more solid and closer to the experience than "natural rights"'.

Gist of Idea

Nature is not the basis of rights, but the willingness to risk death in asserting them

Source

Michel Foucault (works [1978], EW III:449)

Book Reference

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 3: Power', ed/tr. Faubion,J [Penguin 2002], p.448


A Reaction

I recall a group of Afrikaan men going to face certain death, rather than give up apartheid.