Natural Reason and Natural Law: An Assessment of the Straussian Criticisms of Thomas Aquinas
Ebook
Overview
Natural law, according to Thomas Aquinas, has its foundation in the evidence and operation of natural, human reason. Its primary precepts are self-evident. Awareness of these precepts does not presuppose knowledge of, or even belief in, the existence of God. The most interesting criticisms of Thomas Aquinas’s natural-law teaching in modern times have been advanced by the political philosopher Leo Strauss and his followers. The purpose of this book is to show that these criticisms are based on misunderstandings and that they are inconclusive at best. Thomas Aquinas’s natural-law teaching is fully rational. It is accessible to man as man.
“Leo Strauss and his followers criticize Aquinas’s doctrine of
natural law. They claim it depends on a revealed theology or a
discredited science. James Carey offers a thoughtful response,
showing that these critics get Aquinas wrong and do not adequately
explain what they themselves mean by reason and nature. Carey
executes his polemic with skill and verve, while offering
insightful reflections of his own.”
—Kevin White, Associate Professor, School of Philosophy, The
Catholic University of America
“In Natural Reason and Natural Law, James Carey not only
adeptly addresses Straussian criticisms of Aquinas’s natural law
teaching, but also offers a robust and timely philosophical defense
of the rational foundations of ethics. This book deserves a careful
reading by Thomists, Straussians, and anyone interested in
exploring the viability and enduring contribution of the natural
law tradition in ethics.”
—Paul Macdonald, Department of Philosophy, United States Air Force
Academy
James Carey’s Natural Reason and Natural Law provides a much-needed
assessment of and response to Straussian criticisms leveled against
the Thomistic treatment of natural law by Thomas Aquinas. The
direct focus of the work is an assessment of the criticisms
stemming from Leo Strauss and his school. But the horizon of
discussion is both broader and deeper: What is reason? What is
obligation? Carey attempts to extend the horizon beyond the
intramural disputes among Kantians, Thomists, or Straussians to
address these questions important to all thoughtful human beings.
To be sure, Carey is well-grounded in the teaching of St. Thomas
Aquinas on its own terms. This provides him a vantage point from
which to provide a well-informed and searching examination of a
major issue in political philosophy with some of the most
intellectually serious contemporary political philosophers.
Carey’s book is divided into three main parts: the teleology of
natural reason, the Straussian criticisms, and a part called
“Beyond Natural Law,” discussing aberrations, philosophizing in the
shadow of Heidegger, a revalidation of natural teleology, and some
objections and replies. The central discussion engages Leo Strauss
himself and three major students: Harry Jaffa, Ernest Fortin, and
Michael Zuckert. This closely argued philosophical tour de force
deserves careful study and review in professional journals. It will
raise the level of conversation amongst philosophers and
theologians.
E. M. Macierowski, Professor of Philosophy, Benedictine
College
- Title: Natural Reason and Natural Law: An Assessment of the Straussian Criticisms of Thomas Aquinas
- Author: James Carey
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532657764, 9781532657757, 1532657765, 1532657757
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532657764
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T14:48:18Z
James Carey is a tutor and former dean of St. John’s College,
Santa Fe.