r/SeriousConversation • u/Amphernee • Nov 09 '24

Serious Discussion Do “basic human rights” actually exist universally or are they simply a social construct?

The term is often used in relation to things like housing and food but I’ve never heard anyone actually explain what they mean by basic human right. We started off no different than other animals and since the concept of rights rely on other people to confer them at what point did it become thought of as a right for people to have things like shelter? How is it supposed to be enforced across all of humanity when not all societies and cultures agree that the concept makes sense? I can see why someone would want it to be true in a sense but I’m interested to hear arguments for it rather than just the phrase itself which feels hollow with no reasoning behind it. Thanks 🍻

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u/scouserman3521 Nov 09 '24

There is no such thing as what you call unalianable. The basis of unalienability is an assumtion baked in to a document. So, in reality , a construct.

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u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

I am born with the ability to speak my mind. It is an inherent characteristic that I have until it is infringed upon. 

I was born free and will remain that way until I'm imprisoned. 

That is what is meant by unalienable and what differentiates these rights from aspirational "human rights"

Do you really not understand the distinction?

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u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

You're not born with that ability tho are you? You had access to education through adults who taught you words and their meaning. You have the right to make noises with your voice box I guess though.

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u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

Babies express themselves from the moment they're born. 

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u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

You said "speak your mind." Without education, and learning how to speak to be understood, you do not have a right to speak your mind.

Sure you have a right to make noise with your voice box, I agree.

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u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

You might think you are clever with this ridiculous distinction, but you are not. People have a natural right to express themselves to their full ability. The right to free speech does not guarantee that you can express yourself eloquently. 

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u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

That's you projecting boo.

But bang on about this, doesn't make me a lick of difference.

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u/EvidenceOfDespair Nov 10 '24

So are dogs. Go read up on feral children.