Matthias Mahlmann is University Professor, Chair of Philosophy and Theory of Law, Legal Sociology and International Public Law at the University of Zurich.
'Jurists, philosophers, historians, and (more recently) behavioral researchers have extensively studied the concept of human rights. In his thought-provoking book, Matthias Mahlmann masterfully draws all the threads together in order to gain a deeper understanding of the pertinent debates. This book offers a fresh, fascinating, and insightful analysis of this vital topic.' Eyal Zamir, Hebrew University of Jerusalem 'The term, magisterial, is often used promiscuously to characterize a book, but not in this case. It is deserved because it is a successful blend of immense interdisciplinary erudition applied to a vitally important topic. Fueled by passion for human rights, Minds and Rights is beautifully written and deep, requiring the reader's attention and engagement. It is worth it.' Stephen J. Morse, University of Pennsylvania School of Law 'This book reaches the summit of the ambitions and promises of the title. Relying on state-of-the-art cognitive science and combining it with anthropology and moral philosophy it provides a compelling defense of human rights in a world of fashionable human rights skepticism.' András Sajó, Central European University, former Vice-President of the European Court of Human Rights 'Mahlmann offers us a passionately argued, deeply humane manifesto in support of human rights at a time when we need it most. It deserves a wide readership across the disciplines and should become one of the most influential books on the theory of human rights.' Christopher McCrudden, Queen's University, Belfast; University of Michigan Law School 'Mind and Rights is a spectacular contribution to our understanding of ethics, cognitive science, and human rights. Mahlmann's deep, systematic, and wide-ranging account takes issue with many influential trends in the study of mind, brain, and behavior, while also reviving and strengthening the case for universal human rights. A remarkably ambitious and provocative synthesis, which will shape and guide future reflection on these important topics.' John Mikhail, Georgetown University Law Center