Psychology and the Natural Law of Reparation [Paperback]

This 2006 book adds an extra dimension to the argument surrounding universal values of right and wrong.The tradition of natural law argues that there are universal values of right and wrong shared by every human. Drawing on the work of psychoanalyst Melanie Klein, whose analyses have touched upon issues related to original sin, trespass, guilt, and salvation, this 2006 text adds another dimension to this argument.The tradition of natural law argues that there are universal values of right and wrong shared by every human. Drawing on the work of psychoanalyst Melanie Klein, whose analyses have touched upon issues related to original sin, trespass, guilt, and salvation, this 2006 text adds another dimension to this argument.Are there universal values of right and wrong, good and bad, shared by virtually every human? The tradition of natural law argues that there is. Drawing on the work of psychoanalyst Melanie Klein, whose analyses have touched upon issues related to original sin, trespass, guilt, and salvation through reparation, in this 2006 book C. Fred Alford adds an extra dimension to this argument: we know natural law to be true because we have hated before we have loved and have wished to destroy before we have wanted to create. Natural law is built upon the desire to make reparation for the goodness we have destroyed, or have longed to destroy. Through reparation, we earn salvation from the most hateful part of ourselves, that which would destroy what we know to be good.Preface; 1. Antigone and the natural law; 2. Younger people, relativism, and the natural law; 3. Natural law and natural evil; 4. Making reparation moral. Fred Alford has written a marvelous little book drawing out out a distinctive way of thinking anew about natural law. With admirable virtuosity and unfailing common sense, he weaves together a diverse group of sources: Melanie Klein's psychoanalysis, Thomist natural law, political theory, interview results, and Greek tragedy. The book managelÓ&