The scientistic modern natural law theory: A critical analysis of Thomas Hobbes's and John Locke's ontology, epistemology, and politics.

摘要

This thesis critically analyzes the scientific presuppositions underlying the political philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. This thesis argues that any philosophy that has scientific presuppositions and begins with the physical particulars of life produces a negative view of freedom, a simple view of human equality based upon power, authority that is equated with mere power and sanction, a deterrence theory of punishment, a natural law that can only be known in selfish generalities, natural rights that are grounded in man's self-interests, nominalism (i.e., general universal words represent nothing in reality), and theological voluntarism (i.e., law is ultimately grounded in God's almighty will, not His character, such that God can will anything to be moral).;This thesis argues that man must presuppose the Bible's authority and truthfulness to know the specific code of the natural law. Moreover, this thesis argues that the Bible reveals an ultimate firm foundation for the natural law, namely, the supremacy of God's unchanging character over His will (what this author calls a metaphysical divine will). A particularly prominent attribute of God's unchanging character is His sovereignty. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).