Philosophy Chapter 14: Natural Laws and Contracts

Questions and Answers

What does Chapter 14 discuss?

Human governance

The first and second Natural Laws (correct)

Social contracts (correct)

Natural rights only

What is a 'Law of Nature'?

A general rule discovered through reason that affirms human self-preservation and condemns acts destructive to human life.

Natural law demands that we seek peace because __________.

to seek peace is to fulfill our natural right to defend ourselves.

What does the second law of nature entail?

We must mutually divest ourselves of certain rights (such as taking another life) in order to escape the state of natural war. Signup and view all the answers

Why can the right of self-preservation never be given up?

It is the right upon which the contract is founded in the first place. Signup and view all the answers

What does the contract, or covenant, represent according to natural law?

The persons of all involved in the construction of the covenant. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of persons described?

Natural and artificial. Signup and view all the answers

Define a 'natural person'.

One whose words are his or her own. Signup and view all the answers

Define an 'artificial person'.

One whose words are those of someone else. Signup and view all the answers

The contract becomes a representative of __________.

the natural people. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the contract fit the definition of an artificial person?

Because the contract is a representative personating the words of natural people. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Laws and Contracts

Chapter 14 discusses the first and second Natural Laws in the context of social contracts.
A "Law of Nature" reflects a universal principle derived from reason promoting self-preservation while denouncing actions harmful to human life.

Seeking Peace

Natural law compels individuals to pursue peace as a way to uphold the natural right to self-defense.

Second Law of Nature

The second law necessitates the relinquishment of certain rights, including the right to kill, to avoid perpetual conflict inherent in the state of nature.

Right of Self-Preservation

The right to self-preservation remains inviolable, forming the foundational basis for social contracts.

The Contract and Natural Law

The social contract, guided by natural law, embodies and represents all individuals engaged in the covenant.

Types of Persons in Contracts

Distinction between two types of persons: natural persons and artificial persons.

Definition of Natural and Artificial Persons

A "natural person" articulates personal words and opinions autonomously.
An "artificial person" conveys words or views articulated by another individual.

Representation in Contracts

The social contract serves as a representative of natural persons, encapsulating their collective agency.

Artificial Person Concept

Since the contract acts as a representative echoing the voices of natural persons, it constitutes an "artificial person" by definition.

Description

Explore the concepts of natural law and social contracts in this chapter. Delve into the first and second laws of nature, the importance of self-preservation, and the implications for personal rights and peace. Understand the distinction between natural and artificial persons within the context of contracts.