The Proliferation of Rights explores how the assertion of rights has expanded dramatically since World War II. Carl Wellman illuminates for the reader the historical developments in each of the major categories of rights, including human rights, civil rights, women's rights, patient rights, & animal rights. He concludes by assessing where this proliferation has been legitimate & helpful, cases where it has been illusory & unproductive, & alternatives to the appeal to rights. Contents: The Development of Human Rights. The Civil Rights Movement. Women's Rights & Feminist Theory. The Animal Rights Debate. New Medical Rights.