PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy

And Still More Discussion Papers!

Paper Eight

Li, "`Asian Values' and the Universality of Human Rights," (Kessler p. 228ff.)

Li argues that cross-cultural deliberation of the concept of rights so far supports the view that basic human rights are universal. In a 1991 "white paper," the government of China argues that rights are culturally specific, that the concept of universal human rights is tied to Western liberal ideals of equality and individual autonomy, and that the concept of universal human rights is foreign to Chinese society.

Given that these liberal ideals are usually associated with the Socratic model of inquiry and deliberation,

a. identify the potential prima facie contradiction in the Chinese government's argument, and
b. discuss whether their point can be made without falling into such contradiction.

Paper Nine

Sartre (Kessler p. 496ff.)

Sartre argues that we create moral value, and that there is moreover no guarantee that our values are correct or will produce good results. One might well ask why anyone would bother to become socially or politically involved at all.

a. How does Sartre answer this question?
b. Do you agree with his answer? Explain why or why not.