The Natural Law Tradition and Belief: Naturalism, Theism, and Religion in Dialogue (World Philosophy) – eBook

Description

For over two millennia, the concept of natural law has played a pivotal role in shaping the moral and legal philosophies of the Western world, originating from the philosophical traditions of ancient Greece. Rooted in the belief of a shared “human nature,” this ideal has been crucial in understanding ethics and jurisprudence through various historical lenses. With the rise of medieval “Christendom,” natural law became intricately woven into religious and theistic frameworks, dominating moral discourse for more than a thousand years. During this period, it was often perceived as an incomplete reflection of a greater divine ethical code.

As modern agnosticism emerged, natural law began to sever its ties from religious affiliations, causing skepticism about its relevance in contemporary discourse. Nevertheless, its inherent ability to adapt and integrate scientific advancements with ethical considerations—anchored in the principle of wellbeing as the ultimate realization of human nature—remains vital for modern discussions of morality.

In our current era, both the natural world and the essence of human wellbeing face urgent challenges. The rampant ecological degradation resulting from unchecked economic growth, the looming threat of nuclear conflict, industrial pollution, and the mass displacement of populations due to poverty and war are pressing issues that endanger humanity’s future. Yet, the meta-ethical framework of wellbeing, derived from both humanist interpretations of natural law and certain theistic perspectives, presents a pathway to confront these daunting challenges.

**The Natural Law Tradition and Belief: Naturalism, Theism, and Religion in Dialogue** (PDF) seeks to revitalize the principles of natural law as an essential ethical framework in addressing these global crises. This work advocates for constructive dialogue between natural law and its theistic counterparts, revealing their fundamental points of unity. By promoting cooperative, globally agreed-upon ideals, norms, and legally enforceable standards grounded in both natural and divine law, the book proposes unified solutions to critical global injustices, such as tax evasion, the arms trade, and political corruption. To effectively tackle these issues, it is essential to transcend reliance on purely national laws and norms, thereby fostering a new international legal paradigm.

NOTE: The product includes the ebook, The Natural Law Tradition and Belief: Naturalism, Theism, and Religion in Dialogue in PDF format. Please note that no access codes are provided.