Human Rights and Democracy
Mission Statement
Human rights are one of the most fundamental elements of modern democratic constitutions. Democracy and human rights are increasingly considered to be cornerstones of valid policies of global governance. Each of these concepts is multifaceted with regard to the content and the form, and the relationship between them is complex.
The question arises as to whether (and if so, to what extent) democracy is a prerequisite for the interpretation and forcible implementation of human rights. Do we need the concept of democracy for spelling out the meaning of human rights? Is a democratic process necessary for establishment and legal enforcement of human rights? On the other hand, it does not seem possible for a democracy to exist without human rights – the absence of civil liberties and political rights means that a system of political participation among equals is virtually inconceivable. If this is the case, the question that arises is whether human rights, if they are placed above the political process, do not impose stifling restrictions on the democratic process.
Lately, human rights have also been subject to criticism. An objection is often made that human rights, especially when considered in conjunction with democracy, are a particular western institution. Are the values of human rights and democracy actually employed by Western nations when their own interests are at stake? Further criticism is directed at the claim to the universality of human rights. It is argued that culturally-specific rationale ought to be used for norms and values that makes either partial or no reference to human rights and democracy.
These issues along with others represent analytical and normative challenges to all disciplines involved at the GGS. Its basis in specific disciplinary and methodological approaches raises the profile of the discourse taking place between and across disciplines both from a thematic and methodological perspective. The subject is particularly suitable for discussions about problems relating to the intercultural legitimation of human rights and democracy, international human rights policies, the creation of governance structures in a multi-level system, an intercultural constitution, and the legal and political implementation of human rights. Last but not least, the subject provides rich material for the field of comparative political and jurisprudential research
Current Events
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
April 28, 2021 | 5-7 pm Raul Zelik: "Grüner Sozialismus. Warum die Klimabewegung an alten Debatten nicht vorbeikommen wird" (German)
For online participation please register with Lilith Schmidt (lilith.schmidt@sowi.uni-giessen.de).
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
February 3, 2021 | 5.15 - 6.45 pm Niklas Angebauer (University of Oldenburg): "Wem gehört die Stadt? Eigentum in der Debatte um bezahlbares Wohnen"
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de). Languages: German (preparatory reading)/English (lecture & discussion)
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
January 20, 2021 | 5.15 - 6.45 pm Gundula Ludwig (University of Bremen): "'Politik ist nichts Weiter als Medizin im Großen.' Zur Bedeutung von Körperpolitiken in der Genealogie der Demokratie"
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de). Languages: German (lecture)/English (preparatory reading & discussion)
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
Online Lecture and Discussion December 16, 2020 | 6.15 - 7.45 pm Frieder Vogelmann (University Frankfurt am Main): "Critical Theory and Political Epistemology: Six Theses on Untruth in Politics"
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de).
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Annual Conference of the GGS |
This year's annual conference of the GGS will be carried out by the section "Human Rights and Democracy". On December 3rd and 4th we will discuss the topic of "Solidarity in Times of Crisis". Further information will follow soon on the Website of the Conference.
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
Online Lecture and Discussion (in German) November 25th, 2020 | 5.15 - 6.45 pm Brigitte Bargetz (University of Kiel): "'homo neuroticus' und der Spuk nationaler Souveränität: eine feministische und postkoloniale Perspektive"
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de).
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
Online Lecture and Discussion (in German) November 18th, 2020 | 6.15 - 7.45 pm Ana María Rabe (Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín): "Möglichkeiten und Formen eines kritischen Eingedenkens"
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de).
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Online Lecture and Discussion |
Online Lecture and Discussion (in German) November 11th, 2020 | 5.15 - 6.45 pm Tatjana Sheplyakova (Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main): "Vom Ritual zum Verfahren: Zu den Bedingungen immanenter Rechtskritik"
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de).
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| Program overview for the winter term |
Here you can find an overview of the planned events of our section in the winter term 2020/2021. Further information on the events will follow soon on this website.
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| Political Theory Colloquium 2020 |
September, 25th, 2020; 1-5 pm. Online-Colloquium; Interested colleagues are welcome!
For further information, preparatory readings as well as access to the online course-room, please contact Hannes Kaufmann (hannes.s.kaufmann@sowi.uni-giessen.de). Languages: German/English
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