Duquesne University Duquesne Scholarship Collection Electronic Theses and Dissertations Spring 2010 An Assessment of David Hollenbach's Contribution to the Debate on Human Rights and its Future Promise Joseph Oppong Follow this and additional works at: https://dsc.duq.edu/etd Recommended Citation Oppong, J. (2010). An Assessment of David Hollenbach's Contribution to the Debate on Human Rights and its Future Promise (Doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/996 This Immediate Access is brought to you for free and open access by Duquesne Scholarship Collection. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Duquesne Scholarship Collection. For more information, please contact [email protected]. AN ASSESSMENT OF DAVID HOLLENBACH’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ITS FUTURE PROMISE A Dissertation Submitted to the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts Duquesne University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Joseph Oppong May 2010 Copyright by Joseph Oppong 2010 AN ASSESSMENT OF DAVID HOLLENBACH’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ITS FUTURE PROMISE By Joseph Oppong Approved April 7, 2010 ________________________________ ________________________________ James P. Bailey Gerald Boodoo Associate Professor of Theology Associate Professor of Theology (Committee Chair) (Committee Member) ________________________________ Elizabeth A. Cochran Assistant Professor of Theology (Committee Member) ________________________________ ________________________________ Christopher Duncan George S. Worgul, Jr. Dean, Mcanulty College and Graduate Chair, Theology School of Liberal Arts Professor of Theology iii ABSTRACT AN ASSESSMENT OF DAVID HOLLENBACH’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ITS FUTURE PROMISE By Joseph Oppong May 2010 The issue of human rights represents what is probably the primary ethical concern in the world today. No human problem transcends national boundaries to the degree that violations of human rights do, not only with regard to their causes, but also in search for human solutions. There are many important philosophers and theologians, from a various philosophical and religious traditions, engaged in an on-going discussion and debate about the meaning, purpose, and limits of human rights language. This study is aimed at assessing the work of one important contributor to this discussion, the prominent Roman Catholic moral theologian, David Hollenbach, S.J. The structure of this study is as follows: First, we present a theoretical account of the origins of human rights and a discussion of the current theoretical debates about rights. We then review Hollenbach’s interpretation of the development of human rights in the twentieth century and within Catholic social teaching in view of the fact that the iv starting point for understanding his contribution to the debate is seen from his extended and systematic presentation of the Catholic tradition. Secondly, we analyze his methodology. We begin with a review of some of the more important methodologies that are or have been used by moral theologians in the twentieth-century and situate Hollenbach’s methodological approach in relation to these. We argue that Hollenbach’s revisionist/inductive approach is particularly suitable for an age that gives particular emphasis to historical consciousness. It helps him to address postmodern criticisms of universal moral claims, including human rights, thereby mitigating the charge that the latter is necessarily another tool for Western imperialism. Hollenbach’s methodology is also consistent with a distinctive emphasis of his work: that wherever you find human beings, there is the need for community and participation. Thirdly, we highlight the major themes in Hollenbach’s work, with a particular emphasis on the distinctive contribution Hollenbach makes to human rights debates. A distinct contribution he has made to the debate on human rights is his reconstructed vision of the common good that is expansive in scope. He maintains that human rights are moral claims of all persons to be treated, by virtue of their humanity, as participants in the shared life of the human community. Employing the concept of the common good, human dignity, justice and participation and solidarity, he is able to make the Catholic Church’s voice be heard in a pluralistic society like the United States and beyond. The distinctive substance of his writing that is relevant to the global situation of human rights is his emphasis on the link between individual human rights and participation in the common good. His emphasis on participation as integral to the good of the person and the good of the community leads also to an understanding of human rights that goes beyond v the traditional liberal emphasis on political rights alone to one that also includes economic and social rights. Finally, we explore the relevance of Hollenbach’s understanding of human rights for contemporary challenges now faced in the world. He proposes in his writings a community that is built on the ethics of responsibility, the creation of a society where the structures of sin that dehumanize the person are transformed into those that would enhance the dignity of each person. His passion for the ordering of society toward the common good could inspire renewed efforts in addressing the issues of global warming, environmental degradation, poverty, inequality, marginalization and promote human welfare. vi DEDICATION TO MY PARENTS, MR & MRS STEPHEN OPPONG WHO FIRST TAUGHT ME THE DIGNITY OF THE PERSON vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We dare admit that a dissertation of this magnitude cannot see the light of day without the invaluable assistance, support and guidance of other people. I do appreciate and greatly thank all those who helped me with the inestimable spiritual, moral and financial support in the course of working on this project. I do thank the almighty God for his strength, guidance and wisdom that accompanied me all through this work. May His name be honored and glorified throughout the ages! My profound gratitude to my bishop, his Excellency Dr. Joseph Osei- Bonsu, Catholic Bishop of Konongo-Mampong Diocese, Ghana, for giving me the permission and opportunity to pursue my doctoral studies at Duquesne University and for his unflinching support and encouragement throughout my program. I would like to extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to my dissertation director, Dr. James P. Bailey for taking up the task of directing this project. Your guidance, inspiration, insights and academic advice has contributed much to shaping this project. My dissertation committee members, Dr. Gerald Boodoo and Dr. Elizabeth A. Cochran also deserve some words of recognition and appreciation for the wonderful role they played in the realization of this project. Please know that your academic guidance and support mean a lot to me. I am indebted to the faculty and students of the theology Department of Duquesne University for sharing their worth of knowledge with me and for their friendship. The Diocese of Pittsburgh merits my special thanks and gratitude for providing me with residence and for permitting me to work in the Our Lady of the Valley Parish in viii Donora. I extend my sincere thanks to the late Rev. David J. Kriss for his great support and friendship. May the good Lord grant him an eternal rest and peace in his Kingdom. I owe the Rev. Michael L. Yaksick, the former pastor of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, a debt of gratitude for his great support and assistance during the course of my program. A word of thanks to Rev. Pierre Falkenhan, the current administrator and the parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley Parish for their love, support and friendship. At this point, I would like to thank Mr. Arthur A. Fronzaglio for coming to my aid in my hour of need. Art, you have demonstrated that an important way we can show our appreciation for God’s love and care for us is to show love and care for others. Please know that your support and great care are deeply appreciated. Your special ways and generous heart make a beautiful difference. To David J. Sarkus, I say thanks Dave, for your support, inspiration, love and encouragement over the years. To my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Oppong, my sister Agnes, my brother Dominic, and all members of my extended family for their prayers and support during the period of my studies, I say a big thank you. Finally, since its impossible to mention the names of all who have worked in various ways to contribute to the success of this dissertation, to all of you and all my benefactors and friends, whose support, love and friendship I have come to enjoy and appreciate, I say thank you. ix TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract.............................................................................................................................. iv Dedication......................................................................................................................... vii Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................... viii List of Abbreviations ....................................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Human Rights: An Overview............................................................................ 1 1.1 Foundations of Human Rights .................................................................................