Animal Rights Do the properties apply The environment How Ethical Theories Use Rights talk. Utilitarianism Kantianism Social Contract Utilitarianism Rights are justified to the extent that they maximize utility. Human rights are limited by the principle of the maximization of utility Eg. The opposite would be to argue that human s have rights without reference to the benefit for society. There is an implicit contract entered into by free and rational members of society.
Rights are the minimum requirements for fulfilling the conditions of that contract.
Affirms the dignity of each human being. Is easily understood and accepted in contemporary society. Doesn t seem to apply to close relationships.