Jacques Maritain – Sources of Contemporary Concept of Human Rights

Abstract

Following article is an introduction to Jacques Maritain’s reflection in the aspect of human rights. First part of the article shows a number of diplomatic activities connected with creating Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in which process Maritain was involved; his tribute to the work of UNESCO as well as his the international dimension of his activity will be given consideration. The practical nature of his resolutions will be especially indicated. Justification of human rights by the French philosopher will be preceded by a thomistic basis of his thought and his concept of integral humanism. Afterwards, there comes discussion on the ideas of a human is of rational and free nature and thus is granted with inherent dignity. A key part of the justification of human rights is based on the concepts of natural law presented in the book ‘Man and the State’, in which the author refers to the measures taken by the International Committee of UNESCO.