nature. This idea, the most prevalent today as seen by the UN's rhetoric in their declarations and covenants, as well as widespread support by western liberals, can be traced back to the Stoic philosophers of Greek times. Advocates of this view believe that all of humanity has certain "general moral standards" (Brown p. 107) which are understood by everyone and apply to everyone regardless of any other variables. This is the natural law idea, which is the foundation for universal human rights.
             This type of utopian view suggests that at some level of their nature, humans are the same. Universalists contend that this sameness is on a fundamental moral level and at this same level, universal human rights appeals to all human beings. I agree with this to a certain point. I believe that humans are the same at some basic moral level. Bhikhu Parekh identifies four characteristics that he feels are common in every society. First, that "all human beings are capable of entering into meaningful relations with others." "Secondly, they have several capacities
             ...