Theories of Natural Rights and the Meaning of Equality

FAIN: FR-10308-78

Sharon Schwarze
Cabrini University (Radnor, PA 19087-3623)

To investigate theories of right, or natural rights, to see what, if any, support they offer for contemporary concepts of equality. Investigation would fall into three parts: (1) a reexamination of classic theories of right, particularly as they are developed by Leo Strauss in his numerous writings; (2) a consideration of the roots of the United States Constitution and the development of a body of Constitutional law with regard to equality; and, (3) an examination of contemporary theories of right in both political philosophy and philosophy of law.