The Idea of Natural Rights: A Nigerian Experience
THE IDEA OF NATURAL RIGHTS; A NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE
Being a Paper presented at
PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR SERIES
OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY, AGO-IWOYE, OGUN STATE
ON THE 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2006 AT OGD LECTURE THEATER
By
OMOTOSO, SHARON ADETUTU
ABSTRACT
This paper attempts a philosophical appraisal of the idea of natural rights, issues and problems associated with human natural rights in the ancient and contemporary epoch as well as our immediate environment. As a foremost articulator of human rights in man’s history, this paper shall use John Locke as a reference point. The Lockean philosophical contribution to the issues of human rights shall be examined and related to the Nigerian situation since independence till date.
INTRODUCTION.
As the world history passes through a new facet of periodisation, many startling achievements have been unfolding and also on the increase are fundamental problems of philosophical importance. It is remarkable more than ever, that there are emerging fundamental problems constituting threats to the flourish of man and his world in the contemporary era. As diverse as these problems are, so enormous they are in many regards. However, of specific interest among these problems is the polemics surrounding the gross violation of human rights and essential freedom of man as experienced in contemporary times.
Perhaps, a more correct perspective of Lockean understanding of natural rights has received attention of the United Nations thus modifying it into Human rights. One of the UN’s major goals under its charter is to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion.
It proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal” and establishes basic rights for all people and norms for the behavior of
Being a Paper presented at
PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR SERIES
OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY, AGO-IWOYE, OGUN STATE
ON THE 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2006 AT OGD LECTURE THEATER
By
OMOTOSO, SHARON ADETUTU
ABSTRACT
This paper attempts a philosophical appraisal of the idea of natural rights, issues and problems associated with human natural rights in the ancient and contemporary epoch as well as our immediate environment. As a foremost articulator of human rights in man’s history, this paper shall use John Locke as a reference point. The Lockean philosophical contribution to the issues of human rights shall be examined and related to the Nigerian situation since independence till date.
INTRODUCTION.
As the world history passes through a new facet of periodisation, many startling achievements have been unfolding and also on the increase are fundamental problems of philosophical importance. It is remarkable more than ever, that there are emerging fundamental problems constituting threats to the flourish of man and his world in the contemporary era. As diverse as these problems are, so enormous they are in many regards. However, of specific interest among these problems is the polemics surrounding the gross violation of human rights and essential freedom of man as experienced in contemporary times.
Perhaps, a more correct perspective of Lockean understanding of natural rights has received attention of the United Nations thus modifying it into Human rights. One of the UN’s major goals under its charter is to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion.
It proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal” and establishes basic rights for all people and norms for the behavior of
References: 1The Oputa Panel Report, “In search of Truth, Reconciliation and Justice”, in The Punch, Friday, January 7, 2005 2Wieman, Henry Nelson. The Source of Human Good. (University of Chicago Press, 1995).p.24-67 3Thomas Hobbes Leviathan, Michael Oakeshott (ed). (London: Collier Publishers 1985) p.619 Simon & Schuster, 1999) p. 59 5See R.S Woolhouse, A History of Western Philosophy :The Empiricists (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), R.H Popkin etal, Philosophy Made Simple, (London: William Heinemann Ltd 1981) e.t.c 6Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy, (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1972) p. 618 7G.H.Sabine, A History of Political Theory, (New York: Holt Reinhart and Winston, 1963) p. 535 8Ibid p 11R. Appadorai, The Substance of Politics (Mandras: Oxford University Press, 1975) p United Nations, 1978. 13Federal Republic of Nigeria: The 1963 Constitution. (Lagos: Daily Time Publication, 1963) 15B.O Nwabueze, A Constitutional History of Nigeria (Enugu: Dimension Publication, 1983) p.7-8. 16O.Awolowo, Thoughts on Nigeria’s Constitutions; (Ibadan: Oxford University Press, 1966) p.210