Critique of the Human Rights

elective seminars
general courses

(in Polish) Ogólna wiedza z zakresu teorii praw człowieka, lub filozofii polityki, filozofii prawa i antropologii filozoficznej.

Classroom

The main aim of the seminar is to analyze critical approaches to human rights, including theories of such thinkers as: Hannah Arendt, Giorgio Agamben, Carl Schmit, Chantal Mouffe, but also less obvious criticisms that can be drawn from the thoughts of Baruch Spinoza, or Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri. Human rights are one of the leading concepts in the contemporary reflection on the state, which are inscribed in their political and normative order. From this point of view, criticism of human rights may not necessarily lead to a rejection of the idea itself, but above all to a reflection on the foundations of a modern state.

The main aim of the seminar is to analyze critical approaches to human rights. Those laws are one of the leading concepts in the contemporary reflection on the state, which are also inscribed in their political and normative order. The reflection on human rights includes not only the underlying idea, but also theories of human rights and reflection on their practical consequences. At the same time, this reflection is accompanied by criticism of various aspects of human rights.

During the classes we will discuss the subject of human rights theory. However, the main part of the course will be devoted to concepts critical of human rights, including those created by such thinkers as Hannah Arendt, Giorgio Agamben. Carl Schmit, Chantal Mouffe, and the less obvious critical clues that can be drawn from the thoughts of Baruch Spinoza, or Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri.

These and other strategies critical of human rights may lead, not so much or primarily to the rejection of the idea or theory itself, but above all to reflection on the foundations of the modern state.

Hannah Arendt, Korzenie totalitaryzmu; Giorgio Agamben, Homo sacer; Carl Schmitt, Nomos Ziemi; Chantal Mouffe, Polityczność; Michael Hardt, Antonio Negri, Rzecz-pospolita.

Acquired knowledge:

In terms of knowledge, the student:

- has knowledge of basic issues in the field of human rights theory, knows their genesis and historical development as well as theories critical to them

- knows the most important positions in contemporary disputes in this field and the argumentative strategies used in them

- knows the basic categories of human rights discourse

- knows the views of philosophers included in the canon of knowledge for the scope of human rights and their criticism

Acquired skills:

In terms of skills, the student:

- is able to indicate and explain theoretical and normative assumptions of human rights issues and their criticism

- can determine the political consequences of normative positions

- analyzes argumentative strategies

- recognizes the relationship between theoretical and practical knowledge

- is able to start and discuss current political problems at the conceptual level

Social competences acquired:

In terms of attitudes, the student:

- recognizes the philosophical dimension of political issues

- takes a critical distance to political issues

- shapes an open attitude to the diversity of political views

- active participation in classes - 30%

- preparation and conducting of the workshop - 70%

Permissible number of absences: 2 in a semester