Common Truths: New Perspectives on Natural Law

by Ralph McInerny, J. Rufus Fears, Russell Hittinger

Common Truths brings together the best minds writing on one of today's most important and heated issues: natural law. This diverse group of thinkers addresses the theoretical, historical, and--in a section of particular importance--the legislative and juridical aspects of natural law. A revival of natural law concepts, the essayists argue, is crucial to the refurbishing of American civil society. Anyone wanting to understand what the natural law is and why it matters will find this engaging book indispensable.

Genres: Philosophy

345 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Ralph Matthew McInerny was an American Catholic religious scholar and fiction writer, including mysteries and science fiction. Some of his fiction has appeared under the pseudonyms of Harry Austin, Matthew FitzRalph, Ernan Mackey, Edward Mackin, and Monica Quill. As a mystery writer he is best known as the creator of Father Dowling. He was Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Jacques Maritain Center, and Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Notre Dame until his retirement in June 2009. He died of esophageal cancer on January 29, 2010.

Reviews

[Dave Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Common Truths,” edited by Edward B. McLean, is a compendium of essays written by a number of leading authorities on the important and contentious issue of natural law. These thinkers address the theoretical, historical, and juridical aspects of natural law. The contributors argue that natural law is vital to any attempt to reimagine and revamp justice, not just in America, but in the West as a whole. Hence, this collection is an important primer for those who want to understand natural law and why it matters.

Like any collection of essays, some selections stand out. Ralph J. McInerny’s, 'Are There Moral Truths That Everyone Knows?’ is particularly cogent. As McInerny asserts, “There are moral truths human beings naturally know and a theory about those truths; it is usually the latter that is meant by natural law…It is well known that when Thomas Aquinas introduces the first principles of practical reasoning—natural law—he shows what he means by invoking the first principles of all reasoning, the self-evident truths on which all discourse depends, such as, notably, the principle of noncontradiction.” Following therefrom, McInerny educes principles of natural law and their relevance to the common good.

“Part Three:The Praxis of Natural Law,” contains three valuable essays that unite natural law theory and practice in the areas of contracts, torts and criminal law. The contributors plainly elucidate how natural law relates to what is happening to our legal system, and offer suggestions of a palliative nature.

Overall, this volume is an invaluable resource for philosophers and students of the law alike.