Natural Law Theory Seminar Day 2

Natural Law Theory Seminar

Led by Matthew X. Wilson, R.J. Snell, and Robert P. George

What is “New Natural Law Theory,” and are there “old” natural law theories that came before it? Does “natural law” merely consist of assigning moral weight to empirically-observable laws of nature? What is natural law’s place in the relationship between human reason and divine revelation? This seminar will examine the revival of natural law that began in the 1960s, identifying and assessing its key claims and philosophical underpinnings. The seminar will place “New Natural Law” in conversation with other schools of thinking about ethics, political morality, and jurisprudence—including critiques of New Natural Law Theory from more traditional Thomistic theorists as well as criticisms from liberal philosophers.

The seminar encourages free thinking among participants and will not shy away from frankly addressing tough questions.

No prior reading is required, and dinner on Friday, March 21 and brunch on Saturday, March 22 will be provided.

All Princeton undergraduate and graduate students are warmly invited. 

The schedule is as follows:

March 21

7:30 – 8:15 PM, Dinner

8:30 – 9:45 PM, Discussion led by R.J. Snell and Matthew X. Wilson

March 22

9:45 – 10:30 AM, Brunch

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM, Lecture by Professor Robert P. George followed by Q&A and further discussion.