The Evolution of Rights: From Common Good to Individual Autonomy

This chapter explores the historical evolution of the concept of rights, contrasting classical views emphasizing the common good with Enlightenment ideals prioritizing individual autonomy. It highlights influential philosophers such as Hobbes and Locke, who shifted the understanding of rights towards subjective powers and self-preservation. The discussion critiques modern interpretations of rights and relationships, suggesting that a focus on individualism undermines the importance of community and the common good.