Knowing the Natural Law: From Precepts and Inclinations to Deriving Oughts

249 Pages·2015·0.69 MB·English

by  Steven Jensen

Knowing the natural law

From Precepts
and Inclinations
to Deriving
Oughts
•
STEVEN J. JENSEN
the CatholiC university
of ameriCa Press
Washington, D.C.
Copyright © 2015
The Catholic University of America Press
All rights reserved
The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of
American National Standards for Information Science—Permanence
of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984.
∞
Design and typesetting by Kachergis Book Design
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Jensen, Steven J., 1964–
Knowing the natural law : from precepts and inclinations to
deriving oughts / Steven J. Jensen.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-8132-2733-7 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Christian ethics. 2. Christian ethics—Catholic authors.
3. Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?–1274. 4. Aristotle. I. Title.
BJ1251.J374 2015
171'.2—dc23 2014039020
For ChrIStINe,
ever faithful,
loving guide,
true companion

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments ix
•
1. The Problem 1
2. The Text 26
3. Inclinations 44
4. Good 61
5. Nature 85
6. The Will 108
7. Ought 126
8. Obligation 150
9. Principles 175
10. Action 201
•
Bibliography 231
Index 237
vii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank all those who have helped with this
book. For the very idea of the book, and for the ideas in it, I
am most indebted to James Stromberg, who first set me on
the path of understanding the truth of the natural law. He
also generously read the entire manuscript and provided
helpful insights. Others who supplied needed comments
include Peter Koritansky, Stephen Brock, and an anony-
mous reviewer. Still others have helped through careful
reading and correction, most especially my wife, Christine,
whose loving support has sustained me through all of my
endeavors. The beautiful cover I owe to Barbara Stirling,
who first suggested the artwork, and to Rebecca Schreiber
at Kachergis Book Design, whose keen artistic sense pro-
vided the balance and harmony for the striking design.
Finally, I would like to thank all those at the Catholic Uni-
versity of America Press who have brought this project
to realization, especially Jim Kruggel, Trevor Lipscombe,
Theresa Walker, and Brian Roach.
ix