Divine law and political philosophy in Plato's Laws
By: Mark J. Lutz
Publisher: Northern Illinois University Press
Published: 2012
Place of publication: DeKalb, Ill
Language: eng
Number of pages: 200
ISBN-13: 9780875804453; 9781609090487
Subjects: Philosophy; Political science
Description: All over the world secular rationalist governments and judicial authorities have been challenged by increasingly forceful claims made on behalf of divine law. For those who believe that reason--not faith--should be the basis of politics and the law, proponents of divine law raise theoretical and practical concerns that must be addressed seriously and respectfully. As Mark J. Lutz makes plain in this illuminating book, they have an important ally in Plato, whose long neglected Laws provides an eye-opening analysis of the relation between political philosophy and religion and a powerful defense of political rationalism. Plato mounts his case, Lutz reveals, through a productive dialogue between his Athenian Stranger and various devout citizens that begins by exploring the common ground between them, but ultimately establishes the authority of rational political philosophy to guide the law. The result will fascinate not only political theorists but also scholars at all levels with an interest in the intersection of religion and politics or in the questions that surround ethics and civic education.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: The Minos and the Socratic examination of law; title: The rational interpretation of divine law; title: The examination of laws of Sparta; title: Divine law and moral education; title: The problem of erotic love and practical reason under divine law; title: Perfect justice and divine providence; title: The savior of the law.