PHIL 051. Human Rights and Atrocities

Are there such things as human rights? If so, where do they come from and how are they best conceived? What should we do when they are violated? This course examines the theoretical underpinnings of human rights. To try to understand and answer these questions, we will read traditional philosophical arguments and accounts of human rights in addition to philosophical examinations of atrocities like genocide. We will then use the philosophical works to examine specific historical examples of human rights violations such as genocide, war rape, and apartheid.
Prerequisite: First- and second-year students must complete one introductory level PHIL course before enrolling in this course.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Eligible for PEAC, GLBL-Core
Catalog chapter: Philosophy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/philosophy

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