Full Idea
The theory of basic natural rights is problematic, because although the theory is rigorous and principled, the disadvantage is that we are left with nothing more fundamental to say in defence of these rights.
Gist of Idea
If natural rights are axiomatic, there is then no way we can defend them
Source
Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 4 'Liberty')
Book Reference
Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.115
A Reaction
This is a nice point about anything which is treated as axiomatic - even Euclid's geometry. Presumably rights can only be justified by the needs of our shared human nature.
Related Idea
Idea 20514 If rights are natural, rather than inferred, how do we know which rights we have? [Wolff,J]