Rozumność praktyczna. Teoria prawa naturalnego Johna Finnisa w świetle nauki Akwinaty

Abstract

Since the end of 20th century a wide interest in the topic of practical reason is on the increase in philosophy, especially in such issues as: specific properties of practical reason, its function and proper object, rationality of human action, natural law, common good, moral obligation, justice and human rights. Results of discussions in these fields can be applied to current ethical, political or juridical cases and questions such as nuclear deterrence and genetic experiments. The topic is popular among analytic philosophers who claim that their examinations require thorough analyses of historical – especially ancient and medieval – texts on practical reason. One of the most significant contributions to this discussion is the work of John Finnis (born 1940), which includes as its pivotal part a study and reconstruction of Aquinas’ theory of practical reasonableness. The task of my dissertation is to examine the role of Aquinas’ premises and principles in Finnis’ New Theory of Natural Law. In my paper I present: (i) main principles concerning practical reason and natural law within the classic account of practical reasonableness; (ii) the objective and the main theses of my dissertation; (iii) the method and the structure of my dissertation. Finally, I list some of the most important ethical issues I discuss in my dissertation.