Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1985
Publication Title
Virginia Journal of International Law
Publication Title (Abbreviation)
Va. J. Int'l L.
Volume
25
First Page
869
Last Page
898
Abstract
I will argue that cultural relativism cannot be reconciled with the recognition in international law of fundamental rights of the individual. Part II will demonstrate that positive international law does not recognize cultural diversity as a justification for the failure to observe human rights. In Part HI, I will argue further that ethical relativism is a philosophically untenable position. Part IV includes a brief exposition on and critique of two by-products of relativism: the elitist and conspiracy theories of human rights. Finally, Part V sets forth some general conclusions.
Rights
© 1985 Fernando R. Tesón
Faculty Biography
http://archive.law.fsu.edu/faculty/fteson.html
Recommended Citation
Fernando R. Tesón,
International Human Rights and Cultural Relativism, 25
Va. J. Int'l L.
869
(1985),
Available at: https://ir.law.fsu.edu/articles/30
Comments
First published in Virginia Journal of International Law.