Mere Natural Law: Not a Theory, the Real Thing

Is our Constitution “morally agnostic”? In a time when “originalism” is high on our mind, it ought to be asked whether the various flavors of originalism offered today are vitally connected to the “self-evident truths” of the original “originalists.” Making the case anew for Natural Law, Hadley P. Arkes, Professor in American Institutions (Political Science), Emeritus, Amherst College, finds it not in theories hovering in the clouds or in benign platitudes (“be generous,” “be selfless”). He draws us back, rather, to the ground of Natural Law as the American Founders understood it, the anchoring truths of common sense—truths grasped at once by the ordinary man, unburdened by theories imbibed in college and law school. The Public Law & Policy Program and the Federalist Society, Berkeley Chapter sponsor this event. Lunch will be provided with your registration at: bit.ly/HadleyArkes2023 or by scanning the QR code on the associated event flyer.