Online research in philosophy

Constitutional interpretation is problematic because it can be difficult to distinguish legitimate interpretation from illegitimate change. The distinction depends largely on what a constitution is. A constitution, like any other law, necessarily has a meaning, which pre-exists judicial interpretation: it is not a set of meaningless marks on paper. Any plausible constitutional theory must offer an account of the nature of that meaning. In doing so, it must address two main questions. The first is whether the meaning of the constitution (...) is given solely by its words, or also by additional evidence of underlying intentions, purposes or values. The second question is whether, in either case, its meaning is determined by the original meanings, intentions, purposes or values of the founding generation, or by contemporary meanings, intentions, purposes or values. This question divides so-called 'originalists' from 'non-originalists'. This article discusses all these alternatives, and the main arguments for and against them. It is subtitled 'Originalism' because it defends a moderate version of that position; however, it is argued that this is equivalent to a moderate version of non-originalism. (shrink)

This volume addresses two important issues surrounding human rights in both law and politics. First, it considers the content and form of human rights. What is and what is not to be counted as a human right, and what does it mean to identify a right as a human right? Secondly it considers the implementation of human rights. What are the most effective and legitimate means of promoting human rights? Both of these issues raise profound moral questions within legal and (...) political philosophy. The contributions within this volume address the conceptual and moral issues deriving from the expansion of rights discourse and explore the variety of institutional mechanisms that may be adopted to protect and further human rights. At the same time, they illustrate the complex relationship between defining human rights and adopting particular modes of institutional implementation. (shrink)