RPF Release: The Rights Philosophy Forum (www.
rightsphilosoph yforum.org), a new Web site for exploring and debating human rights issues, announced its official launch May 10.

Located at the site is highly interactive, featuring over 30 discussion forums, with topics ranging from justice theory to sexual rights. The site also offers numerous resources for human rights education and exploration.

While philosophy is the main focus, RPF host Randy Walden says the forum isn't about counting angels on pinheads. “Rights have to be applicable to real people in real situations, or they're no use,” he says. “But most human rights conflicts—from terrorism to gay rights—stem from philosophical disagreements.” Walden says he hopes the RPF will provide a platform for people around the world to exchange points of view.


The site isn't just for dyed-in-the-wool philosophers. Those just getting their feet wet, or who are simply curious, are made to feel welcome, too. The RPF has a plethora of resources for learning about rights philosophy, including biographies and links to the works of the “top 20” all-time rights philosophers, as well as listings for many modern thinkers and online articles.

Walden, a writer and English teacher living in Madrid, has developed the RPF after several years of researching human rights philosophy and issues.

The RPF aims to attract participants from across the globe, says Walden, who is originally from California. While the site is in English, it provides a “Lingua Franca” section with resources to help foreign speakers overcome the language barrier.

The site is free to use and completely non-commercial. Walden hopes the RPF will provide a valuable resource for teachers, students, activists and anyone else interested in human rights and the underlying philosophies.