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Frontiers of Law in China

ISSN 1673-3428

ISSN 1673-3541(Online)

CN 11-5742/D

Postal Subscription Code 80-981

Front. Law China    2020, Vol. 15 Issue (4) : 373-389    https://doi.org/10.3868/s050-009-020-0022-2
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Natural Law: Practical Reason and Creative Information
John Finnis()
D. Phil., University of Oxford, UK; Biolchini Family Professor of Law Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Professor of Law & Legal Philosophy Emeritus, University of Oxford.
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Abstract

With nine main theses that are interspersed with each other, this paper explores and articulates some of the most important questions in natural law theory. The theses include: I. In investigating facts, one finds reasons to choose an honest self-discipline; II. Deliberating, one finds reasons similarly directing one to other intrinsic goods; III. Taken integrally, these goods and principles acquire the force of moral precepts; IV. Those precepts, natural moral law, depict our nature (humanity) in its flourishing; V. Nature and natures are best explained by free, intelligent transcendent creation; VI. Creation and other gifts past and present deserve our gratitude; VII. Natural moral law and historical revelation are two channels of information; VIII. Secular and spiritual communities are distinct and respectfully self-governing; IX. Natural moral law defines human rights but rightfully extends beyond them.

Keywords natural law      practical reason      historical revelation      moral precepts     
Issue Date: 13 January 2021
 Cite this article:   
John Finnis. Natural Law: Practical Reason and Creative Information[J]. Front. Law China, 2020, 15(4): 373-389.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/flc/EN/10.3868/s050-009-020-0022-2
https://academic.hep.com.cn/flc/EN/Y2020/V15/I4/373
[1] WU Zhicheng. Natural Law, Basic Goods, and Fiduciary Altruism[J]. Front. Law China, 2020, 15(4): 431-451.
[2] GUO Rui, John S. Baker, Jr.. The Natural Law Foundation of the Market[J]. Front. Law China, 2020, 15(4): 409-430.
[3] ZHANG Shoudong. CHINESE NATURAL LAW TRADITION AND ITS MODERN APPLICATION: A RESPONSE TO HON . ROLLIN A. VAN BROEKHOVEN[J]. Front. Law China, 2018, 13(1): 86-114.
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