Rethinking the Universality of Human Rights: A comparative historical proposal for the idea of 'common ground' with other moral traditions

Abstract

This chapter argues that when looking for “common ground” between different moral and religious traditions, a historical approach which takes into account the historicity of specific norms and practices is desirable. Rather than take one set of principles as the universal norms to which other values must be assimilated, I argue that we must relativize both sets of values by trying to grasp their meaning and social significance within specific historical formations of politics, power and place.