Privacy in a Public Society: Human Rights in Conflict - Hardcover

Hixson, Richard F.

 
9780195042924: Privacy in a Public Society: Human Rights in Conflict

Synopsis

Looks at the conflict between individual privacy and an open democratic society, discusses the historical precedence for the right of privacy, and considers publicity rights, copyright law, and specific cases

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Synopsis

This is a broad attack on current views of the rights of privacy in American society. Hixson argues that the current legal view of privacy as the 'right to be left alone' is unworkable, and that under it the 'right' has become so all-pervasive as to be meaningless. Hixson instead sees privacy as a privilege, and one well worth protecting, but not on the grandiose scale that claims for privacy are made today. The book deals with the philosophical and legal foundation of privacy, and the conflict between the 'right to know' (based on the information needs of modern society) and the 'right to privacy'. Hixson discusses the economics and politics of privacy, and particularly how much privacy can be a property right. Chapters deal with fame and privacy, personal privacy and the computer, and the degree to which such factors as the right to travel, religious freedom, and the rights of conscience should come under privacy provisions.

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