Grotius’ theory of natural law

pages: 436-457

Authors

  • Jelena Govedarica Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2298/FID1502436G

Abstract

After analyzing Grotius’ formulation of the state of nature and natural law, social contract and international law, the author places emphasis on two insights. First, that a certain heuristic principle plays a central role in Grotius’ argument - the analogy between individuals and states in the state of nature. Second, his firm belief that within the international framework the protection of natural law of people and communities comes before respect for state sovereignty. The author will argue that morally unacceptable implications of these characteristics of Grotius’ theory, when we take into account the way in which he defines the rights of punishment and property, are in fact legitimation of interventionism and colonialism. The author will also argue that Grotius initiated an influential tradition in international law, characterized by a lack of clear boundaries between legal and moral norms. Keywords: Grotius, natural law, international law, interventionism, colonialism

References

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St. Leger James (1962), The „Etiamsi Daremus“ of Hugo Grotius, A Study in the Origins of International Law, Romae: Typis Potificiae Universitatis Gregorianae–Romae.
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Published

27.05.2015

How to Cite

Govedarica, J. (2015) “Grotius’ theory of natural law: pages: 436-457”, Filozofija i društvo/Philosophy and Society. Belgrade, Serbia, 26(2). doi: 10.2298/FID1502436G.

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 2 (2015)

Section

STUDIES AND ARTICLES

License

Articles published in Philosophy and Society are open-access in accordance with the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License.

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