Alan Gewirth

Alan Gewirth was a 20th-century philosopher known for his contributions to deontological ethics and rights theory. He argued that moral principles are rooted in the concept of human agency, emphasizing that all individuals possess rights simply by being agents capable of rational thought and action. Gewirth's key idea is that to act morally, one must recognize and respect the rights of others as essential for their ability to pursue their goals. This perspective highlights the inherent dignity of individuals and insists that ethical behavior involves acknowledging and protecting the rights necessary for everyone to achieve their potential.