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On the Law of Nature: A Demonstrative Method
With an introduction by E. J. Hutchinson and Korey D. Maas
On the Law of Nature is at once a traditional and eclectic treatise of moral philosophy by one of the sixteenth century’s most widely read Protestant authors. Niels Hemmingsen (1513–1600), the “Teacher of Denmark,” was a Danish humanist and theologian who studied with the “Teacher of Germany,” Philip Melanchthon, at the University of Wittenberg. Hemmingsen went on to serve as a professor at the University of Copenhagen—first of Greek, then of dialectic, and finally of theology. He wrote voluminously on method, theology, exegesis, homiletics, and ethics.
In this treatise Hemmingsen argues that all particular rules of ethical conduct can be derived from immutable axioms or first principles. Though moral philosophy works according to its own rules, Hemmingsen shows that its conclusions, far from being at odds with the divine revelation of the moral law, are identical with the ethical commandments of Scripture. Thus Hemmingsen includes a section on the Decalogue, along with a lengthy account of the traditional cardinal virtues, supported by a myriad of quotations from classical Greek and Roman sources. This important treatise looks both backward to classical and medieval philosophy and forward to developments in the seventeenth century and beyond.
On the Law of Nature is at once a traditional and eclectic treatise of moral philosophy by one of the sixteenth century’s most widely read Protestant authors. Niels Hemmingsen (1513–1600), the “Teacher of Denmark,” was a Danish humanist and theologian who studied with the “Teacher of Germany,” Philip Melanchthon, at the University of Wittenberg. Hemmingsen went on to serve as a professor at the University of Copenhagen—first of Greek, then of dialectic, and finally of theology. He wrote voluminously on method, theology, exegesis, homiletics, and ethics.
In this treatise Hemmingsen argues that all particular rules of ethical conduct can be derived from immutable axioms or first principles. Though moral philosophy works according to its own rules, Hemmingsen shows that its conclusions, far from being at odds with the divine revelation of the moral law, are identical with the ethical commandments of Scripture. Thus Hemmingsen includes a section on the Decalogue, along with a lengthy account of the traditional cardinal virtues, supported by a myriad of quotations from classical Greek and Roman sources. This important treatise looks both backward to classical and medieval philosophy and forward to developments in the seventeenth century and beyond.
- GenresPhilosophyTheology
256 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2018
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January 4, 2022
“The philosopher deduces this demonstration of the minor axiom as such: the state of the best life resides in happiness. This happiness consists in three things: the act of the highest power (potentia) in man, which is in the intellect; in the most noble habit, which belongs to virtuous caring for others; exercised on the most worthy objects of life”
The engraving above the doors of the temple to the Delphic oracle said “Know yourself” or in the words of Menander “know yourself: look to your own affairs and know what to do.”
A great book, showing the early foundations of the liberal world, with an English translation just now becoming available. Dr. Hutchinson did an excellent job of making this short work understandable with in-depth research of the source material and the references that Hemmingsen makes throughout.
The frequent and explicit references to the Classics (Homer, Aristotle, Ovid, Sophocles…) are really powerfully counterbalanced by the implicit references and shared ideas to Hemmingsen’s contemporaries (Calvin, Luther, Melancthon, etc). Overall, it is an excellent way to peer into a well-learned and internationally respected mind in the 16th century.
The engraving above the doors of the temple to the Delphic oracle said “Know yourself” or in the words of Menander “know yourself: look to your own affairs and know what to do.”
A great book, showing the early foundations of the liberal world, with an English translation just now becoming available. Dr. Hutchinson did an excellent job of making this short work understandable with in-depth research of the source material and the references that Hemmingsen makes throughout.
The frequent and explicit references to the Classics (Homer, Aristotle, Ovid, Sophocles…) are really powerfully counterbalanced by the implicit references and shared ideas to Hemmingsen’s contemporaries (Calvin, Luther, Melancthon, etc). Overall, it is an excellent way to peer into a well-learned and internationally respected mind in the 16th century.
Displaying 1 of 1 review