What are ‘rights’ and why have they become so controversial?

Humanist Forum facilitated by Barry Newman. Free entry - everyone welcome. A suggested donation of £3.00 is helpful but not obligatory. Why not grab a drink in the hotel bar before joining us in the Shiraz Suite?

Human rights is a core topic for humanists, and one Barry is keen for us to examine together. If we’re so attached to rights, we’d better have a proper chat about what we actually mean by them. Are rights natural, inalienable, and universal? Or are they invented and culturally relative? Are rights linked to duties or are they unconditional? Barry won’t be presenting a fixed view or arguing a case; instead, he’ll guide a gently ‘Socratic’ conversation by posing thoughtful questions for us to consider.