Natural Reason and Natural Law: An Assessment of the Straussian Criticisms of Thomas Aquinas

Natural law according to Thomas Aquinas has its foundation in the evidence and operation of natural human reason. Its primary precepts are self-evident. Awareness of these precepts does not presuppose knowledge of or even belief in the existence of God. The most interesting criticisms of Thomas Aquinass natural-law teaching in modern times have been advanced by the political philosopher Leo Strauss and his followers. The purpose of this book is to show that these criticisms are based on misunderstandings and that they are inconclusive at best. Thomas Aquinass natural-law teaching is fully rational. It is accessible to man as man.