Reason, Morality, and Law: The Philosophy of John Finnis - Softcover

Reason, Morality and Law reminds us of how far-ranging Finnis's intellectual endeavours have been, not just in legal, moral, political, literary, and theological disputes, but also in the less abstract contributions of work at the Bar and political advice to Parliament. There is great value to reading Finnis's views on the many subjects covered in this book, certainly for those whose sympathies on these issues are similar to Finnis's, but perhaps even more so for those of us who may be inclined to disagree sharply. (Brian H. Bix, University of Minnesota School of Law, MIND)

[I]n and after his seminal Natural Law and Natural Rights (Oxford University Press, 1980), Finnis has developed a moral theory of great range and depth, which in its systematicity and challenging engagement with both applied ethical issues and the philosophy of action counts as one of the most significant contributions to normative theory in the late twentieth century. Given this, his work deserves far more attention from philosophers - something this [impressive] Festchrift does much to facilitate. (The Philosophical Quarterly)

Anyone who is interested in the new natural law theory should check out this [imposing] book. (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews)

John Finnis is a pioneer in the development of a new yet classically-grounded theory of natural law. His work offers a systematic philosophy of practical reasoning and moral choosing that addresses the great questions of the rational foundations of ethical judgments, the identification of moral norms, human agency, and the freedom of the will, personal identity, the common good, the role and functions of law, the meaning of justice, and the relationship of morality and politics to religion and the life of faith. The core of Finnis' theory, articulated in his seminal work Natural Law and Natural Rights, has profoundly influenced later work in the philosophy of law and moral and political philosophy, while his contributions to the ethical debates surrounding nuclear deterrence, abortion, euthanasia, sexual morality, and religious freedom have powerfully demonstrated the practical implications of his natural law theory.

This volume, which gathers eminent moral, legal, and political philosophers, and theologians to engage with John Finnis' work, offers the first sustained, critical study of Finnis' contribution across the range of disciplines in which rational and morally upright choosing is a central concern. It includes a substantial response from Finnis himself, in which he comments on each of their 27 essays and defends and develops his ideas and arguments.