Atheists, do you believe in inalienable rights? If so, who implanted them in us?

Answer 1

Oooh, SNAP!

Inalienable rights are those rights we as human beings are entitled to and which can't be taken away from us. It's a fairly modern concept and it's really only recognized in the West. Not coincidentally, the idea of basic human rights came about as humanism gained steam. You'll notice the conspicuous absense of basic human rights in any theistic country.

To answer your question, no one "implanted" them in us. They don't exist except among those who choose to recognize them. So in short, the rights begin to exist as soon as those around us choose to recognize them. Thankfully, this country (the US) has a pretty good history of doing that.

Answer 2

I believe our rights are inalienable to the extent that humans have decided they are. No external power "implanted" anything in anyone, rights included. We have evolved over millions of years to develop a system of interaction, i.e. society and culture, where taking care of the other humans of the system benefits the society at large to such a great extent that humans view things that do not contribute to this greater good as bad, or evil. From these judgments of acceptable behavior, humans decided which rights should be expected. "Rights" in of themselves can never be inalienable as they change with the times. What Romans considered "rights" would be largely seen as criminal in the 21st century. Humans have put into place the rights they value at this time, but they will change again in the future. Impermanence is the nature of everything.

Answer 3

we are born free, and live in societies because it is beneficial to us. But the society should have a good reason before it takes away any of our freedoms.
I'm not sure exactly what you mean by inalienable rights, that is just a word to signify the concept of freedom.
And why would it have to be a "who" that gives this to us? there is a leap of logic there that doesn't make sense. More like "what", and the answer is reason.

Answer 4

Rights such as? As far as I can see, Biblical "rights" were very much in the eye of the beholder. Many people around the world are still fighting for such basic rights as food, shelter, drinkable water and education. Those that exist are through the UN and international agreement - no different for believers or heathens.

If you mean morals, then check back and see some of the hundreds of times the question has already been addressed in this forum.

Answer 5

it is a human trait to treat others fairly, even though many don't. We evolved into people who could live in communities and not kill each other...it took thousands of years and isn't done yet....look at all the literature from Homer to today and you will see a gradual domestication of Man. "Inalienable rights" is statement created by the revolutionary period in Europe and America...it is not a holy statement of some kind...but hold up the meaning of it to history and you will see where it came from

Answer 6

No, I do not. Derivation of inalienable rights from Natural Law can be criticized on solely philosophical grounds.

Answer 7

I think a free society has to imbue it's citizens with certain inalienable rights to function. I don't think we have any sort of cosmically inalienable rights, or else no one would ever get raped.

Answer 8

Society, culture, peer influence.
You see, we are social creatures. Living in harmony is what has helped us survive so long (for the most part), and without what you call "inalienable" rights, we would have never risen up to the mighty worldwide force we are today.

Answer 9

Most likely, inaliens implanted them. That's what the probe is for. ;-)

Answer 10

What inalienable rights? Maybe you can define. I did not see we have any absolute rights.