The Philosophy of Law

Part of the Metaphysics of Morals, The Philosophy of Law: An Exposition of the Fundamental Principles of Jurisprudence as the Science of Right. Trans. from the German by W. Hastie, B.D. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1887. xxxvi, 265pp. Reprinted 2002 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. LCCN 00-066332. Published in 1797, The Philosophy of Law [Rechtslehre] stands as one of the most significant late works by the great Prussian philosopher. Tho Kant (1724-1804) lived in an atmosphere of political & social repression, it is clear he was sensitive to the revolutionary spirit spreading thru Europe following the French revolution. Claiming humans are born with reason & an innate desire for freedom, he argued that the union of these natural gifts could bring about a new sense of order & harmony in future generations. This edition also reprints his later Supplementary Explanations (1797), which was added to the 2nd edition (1798).