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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.
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Keywords
natural law
practical reason
historical revelation
moral precepts
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Issue Date: 13 January 2021
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