Category Archives: nature

Melanchthon on Slavery and Natural Law

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Matthew Phillips

“Also in civil law, as they call it, there are many things that reflect human affections instead of natural laws.  For what it more foreign to the law of nature than slavery?….a good man will fashion civil constitutions according to … Continue reading →

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Locke on Parents, Children, Liberty, and Natural Law

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“55. Children, I confess, are not born in this full state of equality, though they are born to it.  Their parents have a sort of rule and jurisdiction over them when they come into the world, and for some time … Continue reading →

Posted in education, John Locke, justice, nature, reason | Leave a comment

Nature, the Body, and Decency

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“From the beginning nature itself seems to have been thoroughly rational concerning our bodies: she has placed in sight those parts of our form and features that have an honourable appearance, but has covered and hidden the parts of the … Continue reading →

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The Difference between Human Nature and Beasts

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“From the beginning nature has assigned to every type of creature the tendency to preserve itself, its life and body, and to reject anything that seems likely to harm them, seeking and procuring everything necessary for life, such as nourishment, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, nature, reason | Leave a comment