A Natural Law Approach to Normativity [Hardcover]

Exploring the relationship between natural law theory and the philosophy of law, Bebhinn Donnelly proposes a new approach to natural law theory - one which addresses some of the tradition's shortcomings and advances further its approach to Hume's dichotomy. Key features: ? Provides a clear definition of `nature' in this context ? Contrasts the work of Hume and Kant regarding the `is/ought' issue ? Examines the approach in traditional natural law ? Presents a full discussion of Finnis and the departure from traditional natural law ? Proposes a new, natural law approach to normativity, drawing on the strengths of traditional natural law theory ? Illustrates how natural law may provide a normative base for law A Natural Law Approach to Normativity presents an original perspective on natural law theory and will be of interest to academics in philosophy of law, moral/political philosophy, natural law theorists, and students of jurisprudence internationally.Contents: Introduction; Hume and natural facts; Kant and natural facts; Early natural law: the fusion of fact and value; Early natural law: principles of practical reason; New and traditional natural law: epistemological comparisons; Natural law's contribution to normativity and law; Bibliography; Index.Bebhinn Donnelly is Lecturer in Law at the University of Swansea, UK.