Comparison of Philosophie Parentis and Modernist Theory, Essay Example

Within the areas of philosophy, the topic of human rights, both inherent and awarded by the state, is discussed quite often.  Two of these philosophies are defined as philosophie parentis, or moral absolutes, while the other is called modernist theory.  These philosophies are different in the source or fundamental acceptance and inheritance of rights, while they are similar in their discussion that every person has rights.  It is through this comparison of the two theories that will provide a greater understanding of human rights and the association of religion, natural law, and abstract relativism in modern society.

To begin, it is important to understand the characteristics associated with moral absolutism and the belief in a natural law that awards all persons specific rights.  Essentially, this belief system argues that there are universal human rights that are rooted into our society and to each person.  These rights directly reflect a natural law that provides structure and order within an otherwise disorderly, chaotic society.  Pope John Paul II, argued that “these are not abstract points; rather, these rights tell us something important about the actual life of every individual and of every social group” (Augustine Club par. 4).  When these natural human rights are restricted or taken away, the very nature of a moralistic and logical society is removed.  Slavery and genocide are two examples of the dangers that can result from a restriction of natural law in a society.  Many philosophers disagree on the specific definitions of natural laws, but many agree that they are inherent in such contexts as marriage and the institution of religion that are to be provided for each person.  Other political philosophers can point to the Bill of Rights as an accumulation of natural laws that are inherent in any social construct and are morally absolute concepts for all persons.

On the other hand, modernist theory focuses on a more abstract application of morals and ethics as they relatively apply to modern-day situations.  While moral absolutes and clear and concrete, modernist theory concentrates on the unclear, vague portions of everyday life that are difficult to understand.  The institution of gay marriage is such an example of an abstract application of moral and ethical concepts.  On one hand, the individuals have a natural right to marriage, but the definition and application of marriage is not clearly defined in all cultures as a binding of a man and woman.  Religious and cultural concerns arise and cause this issue to become vague and unclear as to what action is more ethically appropriate and provide moral and ethics to all individuals.  Nevertheless, these two types of theories concentrate on defining and explaining specific ethical and moral behaviors that provide appropriate rights to all persons.  Occasionally an ethical debate can arise in our culture, which causes an abstract application of moral codes to be utilized to weigh the pros and cons of such actions in society.

Philosophie parentis and modernist theory are two different, yet very specific, philosophical theories.  Each is used to provide an explanation of human rights and natural laws that should be inherent in society.  However, morally vague situations can arise that cause problems in philosophical thinking.  Philosophers and moral thinkers continue to devise ways to properly define cultural problems to ensure that no person’s rights are being restricted.  However, until a clear definition of natural law and moral absolutes can be agreed upon completely, it will be very difficult for any theory to become an absolute solution to any of the myriad social problems today.

Works Cited

Augustine Club, The. “Are There Moral Absolutes?” Columbia University in the City of New York. 20 July 1997. Web. 01 Nov. 2009. <http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/a/moral_law.html>.