What is the difference between ancient and modern natural rights?

Question

What is the difference between ancient and modern natural rights?

Answer 1

The traditional idea of natural rights are those that are reflected in many of the early Enlightenment writings such as John Locke.  They basically include the ideals contained in our Constitution; life, liberty, freedom of speech & worship, etc.  There is a push today to add modern conveniences to this list such as health care, housing, education, etc.  The issue is this: are we as a society obligated to provide all of these things for everyone? It is a very key philosophical difference that is being debated every day in modern America.

Answer 2

no such thing as a natural right. A natural right is the concept of a universal right inherent in the nature of living beings, one that is not contingent upon laws or beliefs.