.jpg) Cover of the first edition | |
| Author | John Finnis |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Clarendon Law Series |
| Subjects | Natural law Natural rights |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Publication date | 1980 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
| Pages | 500 (2011, 2nd edition) |
| ISBN | 0199599149 |
Natural Law and Natural Rights (1980; second edition 2011) is a book by John Finnis first published by Oxford University Press, as part of the Clarendon Law Series. Finnis develops a philosophy of Law in the tradition of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas – Natural Law. His presentation and defence of Natural Law can be explored from three perspectives. First, polemical, by contradistinction with other philosophies of Law. Second, through its particular methodology, based on practical reasoning. Third, through its substantive content in the form of basic human goods. In addition, his 2011 edition included an extensive postscript, which is briefly discussed in the fourth section. The book is written as a collection of essays on a wide range of topics guided by an overall theme.