Aristotle and Law: The Politics of Nomos

George Duke's Aristotle and Law argues that Aristotle's statements on law and legislation are unified by a commitment to law's status as an achievement of practical reason, providing a systematic exposition of his account and its relevance to contemporary legal theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 191 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In his book "Aristotle and Law," George Duke delves into the intricate relationship between Aristotle's seemingly scattered remarks on law and legislation and his unwavering commitment to the status of law as an achievement of practical reason. Through a comprehensive and systematic exposition, Duke highlights the significance and coherence of Aristotle's account of law, demonstrating its relevance to contemporary legal theory. This insightful work will captivate scholars and students alike, spanning the fields of jurisprudence, philosophy, political science, and classics.

Aristotle's views on law and legislation, as explored in "Aristotle and Law," are characterized by a profound commitment to the notion that law is an outcome of practical reason. This book serves as a comprehensive and systematic exploration of Aristotle's account of law, highlighting its significance and coherence. By examining the relevance of Aristotle's ideas to contemporary legal theory, Duke demonstrates how his insights continue to shape our understanding of the legal system.

The book begins by examining Aristotle's conception of law as a moral principle that governs human behavior. Duke argues that Aristotle's understanding of law as a moral principle is rooted in his belief in the natural law, which is universal and applies to all human beings. Through his analysis of Aristotle's texts, Duke demonstrates how the natural law provides the foundation for the development of legal systems and how legal principles are derived from it.

Duke then explores Aristotle's views on the role of legislation in the formation of law. He argues that legislation is not merely a means of enforcing existing laws but also plays a crucial role in shaping the moral character of society. By examining the relationship between legislation and the natural law, Duke demonstrates how legislation can be used to promote justice and morality.

Furthermore, the book discusses Aristotle's views on the nature of legal reasoning and the principles that guide legal decision-making. Duke argues that legal reasoning is based on the principles of practical reason and that legal decisions should be based on the best available evidence and logical reasoning. By examining the principles of legal reasoning, Duke demonstrates how they can be applied to contemporary legal problems and how they can help to resolve conflicts between different legal systems.

In addition to its exploration of Aristotle's views on law and legislation, "Aristotle and Law" also provides insights into the relevance of Aristotle's ideas to contemporary legal theory. Duke argues that Aristotle's emphasis on the importance of practical reason and his recognition of the role of morality in legal decision-making provide valuable insights into the challenges facing modern legal systems. He also discusses how Aristotle's ideas can be used to address issues such as the role of the judiciary, the separation of powers, and the protection of individual rights.

Overall, "Aristotle and Law" is a comprehensive and insightful work that delves into the complex relationship between Aristotle's views on law and legislation and contemporary legal theory. By examining the significance and coherence of Aristotle's account of law, Duke demonstrates how his insights continue to shape our understanding of the legal system. This book will be of great interest to scholars and students in jurisprudence, philosophy, political science, and classics, as it provides valuable insights into the foundations of legal reasoning and the role of legislation in shaping the moral character of society.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316610114