RIGHTS, FREEDOM AND TOLERANCE I. Centrality of Rights A. Inalienable rights - at least to non-interference - vs. Claim to society's resources B. Political freedom C. Social tolerance II. Limitations in Practice A. Social needs limit rights - utilitarianism as anti-rights principle 1. graduated income tax 2. compulsory education 3. consumer protection 4. integration Freedom and tolerance only for the irrelevant or the uncertain [Unified position: rights justified only as they contribute to social needs, therefore overridden when they conflict with those needs] III. The Torah Viewpoint - Obligations Replace Rights A. No word for rights B. Practical differences 1. rights can be waived 2. who may redress wrongs C. No property rights - "The earth is the Lord's ..." - miser vs. indiscriminate giver D. No bodily rights - abortion E. No right to life - suicide F. Rights - infinite worth of any human will; Obligations - value in appropriate exercise of will in relation to G-d |