NEW PERSPECTIVES IN JOHN FINNIS'S LEGAL THEORY
Nguyễn Minh Tuấn
Tạp chí pháp luật và thực tiễn, Số 62/2025, tr. 135-145
Hue Journal of Law and Practice, No. 62/2025, pp. 135-145
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Abstract: John Finnis (born July 28, 1940) is a leading figure in contemporary natural law theory, best known for his seminal work Natural Law and Natural Rights (1980). His theory integrates moral philosophy, legal reasoning, and practical reasonableness, centering on the seven basic human goods—fundamental values for human flourishing—and the nine requirements of practical reasonableness—principles guiding rational action. This article analyzes Finnis’s core arguments, evaluating their contributions, limitations, and the debates surrounding his approach. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the significance of his theory in modern legal and political thought.
Keywords: Natural law, seven basic human goods, nine requirements of practical reasonableness, legal philosophy, moral reasoning
