Francisco de Vitoria and the Evolution of International Law: Justifying Injustice

Francisco de Vitoria's theories of international law and human rights were shaped by the conquest of the Americas, leading to a transformation of Old World notions of human nature and the rights of people and nations. His ideas were compared to those of Hugo Grotius and John Locke to show how the issues of natural, human, and divine law evolved through time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Francisco de Vitoria, a prominent figure in the development of international law, is examined in "Francisco de Vitoria and the Evolution of International Law: Justifying Injustice." The book explores Vitoria's philosophical and legal theories, which played a crucial role in establishing the concept of an international community where all nations participate, regardless of religious beliefs. The impact of the conquest of the Americas on the Old World's understanding of human nature and the rights of people and nations is discussed, leading to the expansion of international law. Vitoria's ideas are compared to those of Hugo Grotius and John Locke to illustrate how the concepts of natural, human, and divine law evolved over time. Their questioning of the right to invade other countries and subdue their inhabitants highlighted the conflict between colonial expansion and the law of nations, a central issue in debates among intellectuals, jurists, and theologians seeking to reconcile these two often-contradictory notions.

Weight: 213g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793613363