The Whole Duty of Man According to the Law of Nature (1673, 2003)
- Samuel von Pufendorf (author)
- Andrew Tooke (translator)
- Ian Hunter (editor)
- David Saunders (editor)
- Jean Barbeyrac (author)
The Whole Duty of Man (first published in Latin in 1673), was among the first works to suggest a purely conventional basis for natural law. Rejecting scholasticism’s metaphysical theories, Pufendorf found the source of natural law in humanity’s need to cultivate sociability. This edition also includes the very important editorial material from Jean Barbeyrac’s French editions and are here translated into English for the first time.
Key Quotes
Philosophy
There are other virtues which, while free from all constraint, nonetheless carry a clear and imperative obligation… humanity, compassion, charity, beneficence, liberality, generosity, patience, gentleness, love of peace, these are not empty names, nor are they indifferent things… they are…
Justice
For in the end, the instant that the most genuine laws of the most legitimate sovereign conflict in any way whatsoever with these immutable laws written in our heart, there is no question of seeking a balance, because it is absolutely necessary, cost what it may, to disobey the former in order not…