Systems Thinking Framework

Systems Thinking Framework (STF); thinking through systems…

A new paradigm for defining and promoting human rights

HUQUQ Research Team Systems Thinking Framework, History, Law, Medicine, Philosophy, Sociology Systems Thinking 0

by Ema Paskevicius Although the concept of human rights suggests that every individual is entitled to certain basic human rights, how exactly are they upheld in various circumstances? The answers to these questions are often proposed by researchers, scholars, and professionals in various academic disciplines and professional areas of expertise. In this research note, we will consider whether there is an academic discipline of “human rights”, the meaning of “human rights”, and how the systems thinking framework could potentially bridge the gap between the various definitions of human rights proposed by scholars in various disciplines to advance the aims of human rights. Academic disciplines and human rights Academic discipline can be best defined as a distinct branch of knowledge that bases its main ideas on a particular area of study. Academic disciplines help us organize the vast range of human knowledge into certain categories, such as humanities, social sciences, and scientific disciplines. Humanities focuses on the study of human culture, which can include subcategories such as language, philosophy, literature, and art. In terms of their applications to human rights standards, philosophers, for example, may analyze and theorize concepts underlying human rights such as justice and equality. They may ask abstract questions that surround their fundamental principles such as – What are the moral obligations to adequately uphold human rights? How do human rights differ from a universal versus a cultural perspective? Philosophers tend to work on a more theoretical level, where they explore political ideologies, ethical guidelines, and legal frameworks […]

Sovereignty and Human Rights

HUQUQ Research Team Introduction to Human Rights, Systems Thinking Framework Indigeneity, R2P, Sovereignty, Systems Thinking 0

Sovereignty is a fundamental concept in international relations and law, defining the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. However, in the modern era, sovereignty is increasingly discussed in relation to human rights. This article explores the concept of sovereignty in the context of human rights and its significance in ensuring—or hindering—the protection of fundamental rights. Sovereignty refers to the right and power of a governing body to regulate its own affairs without outside interference. Traditionally, sovereignty has been understood in two primary ways: (1) The authority of a state to govern itself, make laws, and enforce policies within its borders, and (2) The recognition of a state’s independence and autonomy by other states and international organizations. Historically, sovereignty was considered absolute, meaning that states had the unrestricted power to decide their internal matters without outside interference. However, with the rise of international law and globalization, the notion of sovereignty has evolved, particularly in relation to human rights. The expectation is that a sovereign state has the duty to protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Governments create laws, enforce justice, and establish institutions that uphold human rights, such as freedom of speech, equality before the law, the right to education, freedom from state-sanctioned or state-tolerated torture. The principle of sovereignty allows states to adopt and implement human rights frameworks that align with their social, cultural, and historical contexts. Moreover, sovereignty enables states to resist external forces that may threaten their citizens’ rights. For example, a […]

Applying the Systems Thinking Framework to Human Rights

Prof. Souaiaia Essays, Systems Thinking Framework, Theory Systems Thinking 0

The Systems Thinking Framework is not a new approach to problem solving. It is, however, unknown or new to most researchers and scholars active in the broad areas of scholarly inquiry known as social sciences and the humanities. For scientists and researchers in physics and biological, engineering, and computer sciences however, systems thinking has been used to successfully build a formidable body of knowledge solving some of the most difficult problems and explaining mysterious phenomena. Explaining systems thinking as it applies to human rights, a topic of interest to scholars in almost all academic and professional fields of study, and as it is applied by scholars of human rights is a challenging task, let alone convincing scholars to adopt it in their research and teaching. Notwithstanding all the above, given the complexity of the topic of human rights, systems thinking can be a compelling framework for explaining the forces behind some of the most egregious human rights abuses throughout history and across cultures. The degree of success in applying the framework to human rights largely depends on researchers’ ability to define the elements of the framework, for the definitions will greatly vary. Therefore, providing definitions of what is a “systems thinking framework” is a good place to start. At the core of the Systems Thinking Framework (STF) is the idea of “system”. To be sure, engaging with the concept of systems thinking requires a capacity to process many things at the same time including the meanings and functions of “system” […]