Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Khadijeh Shojaeian

Assistant Professor, Department of Public Law, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction

The concept of human rights has been the focus of political debate and philosophical theorizing since its inclusion in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A central task of philosophical theories of human rights is the identification of the rights themselves. In this respect, there are two general approaches to conceptualizing human rights. A key point of contention is whether human rights should be understood primarily as moral rights or as political–legal concepts.

Literature Review

Persian-language scholarship has largely approached human rights from a moral perspective. It seems that the related literature lacks a full-brown treatment of the topic, although there are some brief discussions, for instance, on Rawls’ theory in the Persian-language monograph titled Human Rights in Contemporary World (Ghari Seyyed Fatemi, 2003).

Materials and Methods

This study relied on a descriptive–analytical method and library sources to explain moral and political approaches to human rights. The analysis focused on comparing the two approaches, as well as highlighting the criticisms leveled at them.

Results and Discussion

The dominant philosophical approach—often called the moral or orthodox view—tends to tie the origin of human rights to natural rights. It argues that these rights belong to humans simply because they are human beings, and that they exist to safeguard human dignity and agency. From this moral standpoint, the foundation of human rights theory is rooted in human nature. Moral theorists define human rights independently of positive law or contemporary discourses on human rights. According to them, human rights are fundamental natural moral rights whose existence and nature are not contingent upon any legal system or social moral code. Since huma rights derive from essential moral traits inherent in human beings, these rights are regarded as universal and timeless.
In recent years, a distinct approach has emerged—often called the political or functional perspective—that frames human rights as a contemporary, institutionalized practice. This view does not hinge on a necessary link between morality and human rights; instead, it treats the observance of human rights as a precondition for the legitimacy of states within the international system. According to this perspective, any violation of human rights by a state could justify foreign intervention or even military action. Human rights are seen as essential safeguards that limit state sovereignty; moreover, the list of rights they encompass is typically narrower than the rights enshrined in the constitutions of democratic systems. In this political view, human rights originate within political institutions, regulate the relationship between citizens and the state, and limit sovereign power in the modern international system.

Conclusion

In the realm of philosophical theorizing, two prominent approaches have emerged concerning the nature and meaning of human rights. The dominant view foregrounds the moral essence of human rights, emphasizing their continuity with natural rights and asserting that their significance does not depend on any political institution. In contrast, the political approach seeks to clarify ambiguities and address shortcomings inherent in the moral approach. It defines human rights by examining their role and function in international relations, particularly by illustrating how interventions are justified against states that violate human rights or fail to prevent human rights abuses within their borders. Therefore, this view treats human rights as both normative and factual. It holds that state compliance with human rights is essential to their legitimacy, while non‑compliance constitutes a legitimate basis for intervention—ranging from sanctions to military action—in the domestic affairs of violators. Although the political perspective has attracted criticism, the debate over the meaning of human rights is still ongoing within philosophical theorizing.

Keywords

• Political Concept
• Natural Rights
• Function of Human Rights
• Legitimacy
• The Law of Peoples

Main Subjects

• Citizenship rights