Rights, Moral Values and Natural Facts: a reply to Mary Midgley on the problem of child‐abuse

ABSTRACT Mary Midgley asserts that my argument concerning the problem of child‐abuse was inappropriately framed in the language of rights, and neglected certain pertinent natural facts. I defend the view that the use of rights‐talk was both apposite and did not misrepresent the moral problem in question. I assess the status and character of the natural facts Midgley adduces in criticism of my case, concluding that they do not obviously establish the conclusions she believes they do. Finally I briefly respond to the charge that my suggestions were illiberal.