PhD Master Class ‘Justice and Human Rights’ 16:00 – 17:30
Public Lecture ‘A Theory of Natural Human Rights’ 18:00 – 19:30

by Prof. Michael Boylan (Marymount University)
Location : Stigthage building (at The Hague Central Station)
http://campusdenhaag.leiden.edu/contact/route-description.html#stichthage-offices

The interactive master class, which will precede the public lecture, will give PhD and graduate
students of both Delft University of Technology as well as Leiden University the opportunity to
engage in a lively debate with Prof. Michael Boylan on ‘Justice and Human Rights’ and matters
of Global Justice.

After a short reception, Prof. Michael Boylan will give a public lecture ‘A Theory of Natural
Human Rights’:

“Revolutions are based upon complaints. These complaints can arise from practical concerns, like having food at an affordable price, or from more theoretical or social concerns, such as being able to publicly speak one’s mind. Both are grounded in an understanding of what people ought to be able to enjoy as citizens of a country. This expectation of fundamental entitlements is what we talk about when we talk about human rights. But whether or not every person on earth has certain rights just by virtue of being a person alive on the planet — a concept I will refer to here as natural human rights — is a question of some controversy. In these times, when new questions of rights, complaints and subsequent conflicts seem to arise anew each week, it’s worth knowing where we stand on the matter. I will briefly scan the landscape on how this question is currently addressed and then offer my own suggestions on how it is to be answered.”

Short Curriculum Vitae – Prof. Michael Boylan
Michael Boylan has 25 published books and 100 published articles. He has lectured in eight countries and
has been the subject of a book of critical essays by 14 authors from 8 countries, edited by German
Philosopher, John-Stewart Gordon, ‘Morality and Justice: Reading Boylan’s A Just Society’ (2009). Boylan
was also the focus of a dissertation, Darmstadt, Germany (2006), and a key figure in another Oxford, UK
(2009). Boylan’s most recent publications are ‘Philosophy: An Innovative Introduction – Fictive narrative,
Primary texts and Responsive Writing’ with Charles Johnson (2010) and ‘Morality and Global Justice:
Justifications and Applications’ (2011). He also was editor of ‘The Morality and Global Justice Reader’ (2011).
Boylan was a fellow at the Center for American Progress (2007-2009) and is a lifetime fellow of the
British Arts Trust, Reigate-Surrey.