Dr Tom Kerns
Discussion Questions for
The American Declaration
on the Rights and Duties of Man
- These two international human rights declarations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted by the United Nations in 1948) and the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (adopted by the Organisation of American States in 1948), were both written during the same period of time, were both adopted in 1948, and both are declarations rather than conventions or treaties. There are differences between them, though.
If you were asked to pick out two or three significant differences between the ADRDM and the UDHR, what differences would you pick? What seems significant to you about each of the differences you chose?
- Please select 3-4 of the rights or duties articulated in the ADRDM that you think could have some bearing on environmental issues. Explain why you chose each.
- In the title of this document, American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, what do you think of its use of the term “Man?” Explain.
- Please choose any other right or duty, or any item in the Preamble or “Whereas” section of this document that you find noteworthy. Explain what it is you find interesting about it.
2010-2013 Dr Tom Kerns
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