Charles Taylor poses the question of whether human rights can be accepted outside Western cultures.

He notes that Western cultures have built human rights upon a particular view of the world and the significant place assigned to humans in the world. Respect for persons has emerged from the important place given to humans in Western thought.

Taylor suggests that at least some human rights can be supported in other cultures—specifically, Buddhist and Islamic cultures.

Buddhism has seen a reform movement that rejects popular beliefs and calls for a return to the roots of Buddhism. In the roots of Buddhism, Taylor maintains, respect for persons is apparent in the commitment to non-violence.

Islam has engaged in some practices that seem contrary to human rights—punishment of theft by the cutting off of the hand or adultery by stoning. Communities, Taylor contends, contain the elements of self-criticism; in Islam, the mercy and compassion associated with Muhammad could support a rejection of such forms of punishment and a move toward human rights.