Natural Law and Modern SocietyThe idea of natural law, says the author, "is based on a belief that there exists a moral order which every normal person can discover by using his reason, and of which he must take account if he is to attune himself to his necessary ends as a human being." This notion has supported the philosophy and behaviour of men in all cultures since the beginning of society. It is implicit in the Mosaic code; is fundamental in the thought of Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Rousseau, Newton and Mill; served as the "higher law" basis for English common law and the American Constitution; and is still relevant today. It is to natural law and to its relation to the condition of our society that the seven distinguished contributors to this volume address themselves. In keeping with their widely divergent backgrounds and different faiths, the writers reveal a refreshing range of opinion within a fundamental unity. |
Contents
Natural Law and Jurisprudence | 29 |
Natural Law and the Public Consensus 78 | 48 |
Natural Law and Teleology | 82 |
Copyright | |
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abstract animals anthropomorphic applied Aristotle arts basic behavioral norms called categorical imperative ciples civil commitment common law concept constitutional culture dialectic divine law doctrine of natural economic empire ends essences ethical evil experience fact fiduciary formulation freedom functional Greek Harvey Wheeler higher law human nature idea ideal of legality inquiry institutions intellectual John Courtney Murray judgment jurisprudence justice kingdom of nature legal order logic man's means ment modern moral moral relativism myth natural law doctrine natural lawyer Noachide Laws normative system notion obligation order of existence organization Philip Selznick philosopher kings philosophical physical Plato political positive law possible principles problem projected public consensus public opinion question rational relation require Roman rule of law scientific Scott Buchanan sense social society sociology Socrates specific Stoics teleological things thought tion tradition truths universe ural ural law validity values