Archard, David (1992) Rights, Moral Values and Natural Facts: a reply to Mary Midgley on the problem of child-abuse. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 9 (1). pp. 99-104. ISSN 1468-5930
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Mary Midgley asserts that my argument concerning the problem of child-abuse was inappropriately framed in the language of rights, and neglected certain pertinent natural facts. I defend the view that the use of rights-talk was both apposite and did not misrepresent the moral problem in question. I assess the status and character of the natural facts Midgley adduces in criticism of my case, concluding that they do not obviously establish the conclusions she believes they do. Finally I briefly respond to the charge that my suggestions were illiberal.