Abstract
The article examines critically the classical concept of natural rights, on the ground that despite the wide use of the notion in political context, the theoretical justification for human rights in reference to "human nature" remains questionable. The author argues in favor of a philosophical justification of human rights on the ground of human dignity: unlike the concept of nature, the human dignity implies both normativity and reciprocity and may create a basis of the recognition of individuals as members of an organized political community which is able to guarantee human rights.
The author concludes that a convincing justification of human rights requires an adequate ontology which regards "ought" as an integral part of being.