Natural Law and Enlightenment Series

About this Collection

The intellectual struggle to articulate the theory of classical liberalism was often as hard fought as the physical battle for its political realization. The Natural Law and Enlightenment Classics Series presents not only some of the most famous figures from this history but also the lesser-known theorists who contributed their part to the contest of ideas. Through some of the Enlightenment’s most significant and most unusual works on natural law, moral philosophy, political theory, jurisprudence, and theology, this series offers readers a deep and nuanced understanding of classical liberal ideas and their development.

Key People

Titles & Essays

A – Z List

Auxiliary Sciences Of History

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Christianity

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Communities. Classes. Races

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Ethics

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France Andorra Monaco

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General Law And Jurisprudence

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Law

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Law Of Nations

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Literature (General)

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Philosophy (General)

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Philosophy, Psychology, And Religion

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Political Institutions And Public Administration (Europe)

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Practical Theology

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Religions. Mythology. Rationalism

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Theory And Practice Of Education

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United Kingdom And Ireland

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World History

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Quotes

Natural Rights

Francis Hutcheson on the difference between “perfect” and “imperfect” rights (1725)

Francis Hutcheson

War & Peace

Grotius on Moderation in Despoiling the Country of one’s Enemies (1625)

Hugo Grotius

Natural Rights

Heineccius argues that no man should be deprived of anything which he has received by nature, or has justly acquired (1738)

Johann Gottlieb Heineccius

War & Peace

Hugo Grotius discusses the just causes of going to war, especially the idea that the capacity to wage war must be matched by the intent to do so (1625)

Hugo Grotius

War & Peace

Hugo Grotius on civil right being derived from civil power

Hugo Grotius

War & Peace

Hugo Grotius on sparing Civilian Property from Destruction in Time of War (1625)

Hugo Grotius

Property Rights

Hugo Grotius on the natural sociability of humans (1625)

Hugo Grotius

War & Peace

Hugo Grotius states that in an unjust war any acts of hostility done in that war are “unjust in themselves” (1625)

Hugo Grotius

Law

James Mackintosh on how constitutions grow and are not made (1799)

Sir James Mackintosh

Justice

James Mackintosh on the relationship between justice and utility (1791)

Sir James Mackintosh

Justice

Jean Barbeyrac on the need to disobey unjust laws (1715)

Jean Barbeyrac

Philosophy

Jean Barbeyrac on the Virtues which all free Men should have (1718)

Jean Barbeyrac

Liberty

John Millar on liberty as an unintended consequence of a struggle between tyrants (1787)

John Millar

Free Trade

Lord Kames argued that neither the King nor Parliament had the right to grant monopolies because they harmed the interests of the people (1778)

Henry Home, Lord Kames

Property Rights

Lord Kames states that the “hoarding appetite” is part of human nature and that it is the foundation of our notion of property rights (1779)

Henry Home, Lord Kames

Philosophy

Marcus Aurelius on using reason to live one’s life “straight and right” (170)

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Notes About This Collection

See the listing of current and proposed titles in the Series with the expected date of publication.

For additional information about the Natural Law and Enlightenment Series see in the Forum: Timeline on Natural Law and Enlightenment.