The Foundation of the Theory of Natural Law

Abstract

I have accepted your invitation to speak on natural law — in this circle of supporters of that doctrine — not with any intention of converting you to my point of view, namely that from a scientifically rational standpoint one cannot accept the validity of natural law. For I do not consider such a conversion possible, and that for a reason which follows precisely from what I wish to discuss: the foundation of the natural law theory, i.e., the answer to the question, on what presupposition alone can one assume the validity of an eternal, unchangeable law immanent in nature; so that anyone, like myself, who does not feel able to accept this presupposition, is also unable to accept its consequence.

Österreichische Zeitschrift für öffentliches Recht, 13 (New Series) (1964), 1–37. Also published in Das Naturrecht in der politischen Theorie (ed. by Franz-Martin Schmölz), Vienna 1963, pp. 1–37.