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Abstract
This project is a defense of natural law, grounded in the philosophical framework of Thomas Aquinas. As a philosopher who seamlessly integrated Aristotelian thought with Christian theology, Aquinas' synthesis has been a profound influence on my intellectual journey. Initially, my passion lay with the study of law, but as I delved into philosophy, I discovered an unexpected affinity for the subject. Now, my appreciation for law has evolved, informed by the philosophical insights gleaned from Aquinas' works. This project employs a dual- methodological approach, combining the hermeneutic method and the critical method. The hermeneutic method, a philosophical approach centered on interpretation and understanding, is utilized to examine and elucidate the meanings embedded in Thomas Aquinas' texts, symbols, and cultural artifacts. Complementing this, the critical method was applied to scrutinize and analyze the underlying assumptions, beliefs, and values that inform Aquinas' natural law theory. By integrating these two
methods, this project aims to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Aquinas' philosophy.
My interest in medieval philosophers, particularly Thomas Aquinas, has challenged the common notion that philosophers are inherently atheistic. Contrary to this view, my studies have revealed a rich tradition of philosophical thought that integrates faith and reason.
Furthermore, despite some scholars' dismissive views on
natural law, I firmly believe that natural laws represent fundamental principles that govern the world and are inherently part of human nature. This project seeks to reaffirm the validity and significance of natural law, and to provide a robust defense of its relevance in understanding human existence. Through this project, we hope to have achieved the following: gaining proper insight into the concept of natural law, evaluation of the relevance of Aquinas ideas to modern interpretation of law of the relationship between faith and reason and finally contributing to the ongoing debates and discussions in philosophy and beyond.
methods, this project aims to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Aquinas' philosophy.
My interest in medieval philosophers, particularly Thomas Aquinas, has challenged the common notion that philosophers are inherently atheistic. Contrary to this view, my studies have revealed a rich tradition of philosophical thought that integrates faith and reason.
Furthermore, despite some scholars' dismissive views on
natural law, I firmly believe that natural laws represent fundamental principles that govern the world and are inherently part of human nature. This project seeks to reaffirm the validity and significance of natural law, and to provide a robust defense of its relevance in understanding human existence. Through this project, we hope to have achieved the following: gaining proper insight into the concept of natural law, evaluation of the relevance of Aquinas ideas to modern interpretation of law of the relationship between faith and reason and finally contributing to the ongoing debates and discussions in philosophy and beyond.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor