.
Various senses of "having (a) right(s)"
- "Nanci has rights" just means "there are (morally) right and wrong
ways of
treating Nanci." In this sense, even utilitarians can admit that individuals
"have rights," but "having rights" in this sense just means counting for
something from the moral point of view.
- "Nanci has a right to X" means "Nanci has no obligation not
to
X." To have a right to X in this sense just means that one's
Xing would be morally permissible. Such rights are often called "liberties" or
"privileges."
An example of "having a right" in this sense might be having the right to run for office or having
the right to sell your car."
- "Nanci has a right to X" means "No one may interfere
with Nanci's
Xing." Such rights are often called "negative rights" or "rights to
non-interference." An example might be the right to free speech.
- "Nanci has a right to X" means "Someone has a duty to
provide
Nanci with X." Such rights are often called "claim rights." An example might
be the right to a public education.