June 24-28, 2025
Princeton, New Jersey
The last several decades have witnessed a revival of natural law theory among English-speaking moral and legal philosophers. This ethical tradition of Aristotle and Aquinas offers a compelling alternative to the Kantian and consequentialist systems that have dominated modern moral philosophy. It also provides powerful rational defenses of moral principles often identified as Judeo-Christian, but common also to many great Muslim, ancient Greek, and Roman thinkers—indeed, principles dominant for centuries throughout the West.
This seminar will begin by engaging contemporary analytic work on the foundations and methods of natural-law moral reasoning. But the better part of it will be spent examining arguments that apply natural-law insights to a variety of moral and political issues, including religious liberty and the role of the state; justice in commerce and in communication; just war and capital punishment; abortion and euthanasia; and marriage and sexuality.
A recent participant says,
One of the strongest parts of the program were the intellectually stimulating readings and discussions that have real world applications. I enjoyed that the program was not discussing scholars from an ivory tower; rather, the program also emphasized current debates and action in public policy.
Faculty
Robert P. George, Princeton University
Christopher Tollefsen, University of South Carolina
Sherif Girgis, Notre Dame Law School
Ryan T. Anderson, The Ethics and Public Policy Center
Eligibility
The seminar is for advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in normative ethics and contemporary applications. Young professionals working in a related field may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participants may but need not be versed in natural law theory.
Application Information
The following documents are required of applicants: cover letter explaining your interest in the seminar, resume or curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation. All application materials must be submitted online on or before Monday, February 17, 2025; applications received by email will not be considered.
Click on the button below to apply:
Admissions Information
Admitted students will be notified of their status in mid-March. A non-refundable $350 registration fee is required of all admitted students to offset the costs of tuition, room, and board to attend this program held on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Questions?
Email us at summer@winst.org.
