On this point we'll have to agree to disagree. If human existence is the result of a transcendent Creator who designed the universe for the purpose of humans existing, then we have an external reason beyond our own opinion from a higher source as a reason to believe we have certain inalienable rights. I know you're going to respond with your reasons for disagreeing but I doubt we will cover any new ground.
Only in a philosophical sense. If the universe was intentionally created for our existence then we are more important than the rest of the universe that was created for our existence. If on the other hand we are the accidental unintended by product of mindless forces we can hardly say we have any rights on that basis. It's not binding on anyone anymore than the notion we should treat others as we would be treated is binding in any sense. The USA for example is a secular government tied to a theistic philosophy as noted in this phrase from the Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed
The reason its important in this instance is because these basic rights are not granted by the government or the state, we are endowed with these rights by the Creator. The role of governments is to secure those rights. If the rights were granted by the government then they could be taken away by the government.
In the text its actually called unalienable. Again what it means in this context is the rights are one's we are endowed with at birth by the Creator. Even if you don't believe there was a creator its still an important belief.
Quote:Higher in what sense? In what way are God's judgements or intentions or whatever more important than mine, or in any way binding on me or anyone else?
Only in a philosophical sense. If the universe was intentionally created for our existence then we are more important than the rest of the universe that was created for our existence. If on the other hand we are the accidental unintended by product of mindless forces we can hardly say we have any rights on that basis. It's not binding on anyone anymore than the notion we should treat others as we would be treated is binding in any sense. The USA for example is a secular government tied to a theistic philosophy as noted in this phrase from the Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed
The reason its important in this instance is because these basic rights are not granted by the government or the state, we are endowed with these rights by the Creator. The role of governments is to secure those rights. If the rights were granted by the government then they could be taken away by the government.
Quote:What does it mean for a right to be inalienable?
In the text its actually called unalienable. Again what it means in this context is the rights are one's we are endowed with at birth by the Creator. Even if you don't believe there was a creator its still an important belief.
