return to list of latest ideas

Single Idea 24367

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / c. Natural law]

Full Idea

The fundamental natural law is: every man ought to do as much as he can to cultivate and preserve sociality.

Gist of Idea

The basic natural law is: everyone should cultivate and preserve society

Source

Samuel Pufendorf (On the Duty of Man and Citizen [1673], I.03)

A Reaction

That seems exactly right, and yet what is the authority for making such a firm assertion? The only possible basis for natural law has to be a wide consensus among the citizens. Then the consensus might vary between cultures.

Book Reference

Pufendorf,Samuel: 'On the Duty of Man and Citizen' [CUP 1991], p.35