Natural Law: Its Nature and Validity

Volume 13|Issue 50| Autumn 2024 |Theme of the Issue

Abstract

The object of this paper is to discuss the concept of natural law, a concept that has played, and continues to play, a significant role in legal philosophy. This concept has given rise to much debate regarding its meaning, validity, and usefulness as a tool for thinking about issues in legal philosophy and human rights. In the first section of this paper, we provide a brief historical introduction to the concept of natural law. In the second section, we outline and explain the different meanings that have been associated with this concept since its inception. In the third section, we discuss the concept of "law" with the aim of determining whether natural law deserves to be viewed as an instance of "law". In the fourth section, we discuss natural law from the perspective of  its "naturalness," seeking to determine whether there is any sense of "nature" in which natural law can be said to be natural.

Download Article Download Issue Cite this Article Subscribe for a year Cite this Article
Raja Bahlul (Corresponding Author)

Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies who previously served as professor at Yarmouk University in Jordan, Birzeit University in Palestine, and Qatar University . His research focuses on the concept of identity, Islamic theology and philosophy, and contemporary Arab and Islamic thought. His latest book is titled Discourse of Dignity and Human Rights.

× Citation/Reference
Arab Center
Harvard
APA
Chicago