Introductory Ideas: Natural law:      http://www.box.net/shared/xdkm7it9k9

Natural Law

• The universe and society operate according to immutable, demonstrable, self-evident laws that can be known through Reason by observing the harmony, balance, and intentionality of Nature. (innate ideas)
• Human beings (microcosm) are part of nature (macrocosm) and are therefore subject to its laws.
• Society and civil law must be based upon the natural law. Society must be as balanced and reasonable as nature.
• Religious element: the ground of reason and intelligibility is a "god" or gods or some transcendent, eminently reasonable force or entity. 
• Go to The Great Chain of Being

An overview of natural law from a site that clearly advocates the theory. Nevertheless, an understandable summary:

http://radicalacademy.com/philnaturallaw.htm

An overview of Stoicism from The University of Tennessee at Martin:

http://www.iep.utm.edu/stoicism/

Quotes from "On The Laws" for discussion and comment:

"Virtue, however, is nothing else than Nature perfected and developed to its highest point."

virtue

c.1225, "moral life and conduct, moral excellence," vertu, from Anglo-Fr. and O.Fr. vertu, from L. virtutem (nom. virtus) "moral strength, manliness, valor, excellence, worth," from vir "man" (see virile). Phrase by virtue of (c.1230) preserves alternative M.E. sense of "efficacy." Wyclif Bible has virtue where K.J.V. uses power. The seven cardinal virtues (c.1320) were divided into the natural (justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude) and the theological (hope, faith, charity). To make a virtue of a necessity (c.1374) translates L. facere de necessitate virtutem. [Jerome]

perfect (adj.)

c.1225 (implied in perfectiun), from O.Fr. parfit (11c.), from L. perfectus "completed," pp. of perficere "accomplish, finish, complete," from per- "completely" + facere "to perform" (see factitious). Often used in Eng. as an intensive (perfect stranger, etc.). The verb meaning "to bring to full development" is recorded from 1398. Perfectionist is 1657, originally theological, "one who believes moral perfection may be attained in earthly existence;" sense of "one only satisfied with the highest standards" is from 1934.

"Innumerable arts have been discovered through the teachings of Nature."

How does art imitate Nature? (mimesis)

"We are born for Justice, and right is based, not on men's opinions, but upon Nature."

What does Cicero mean when he says that human beings are born for justice?

"There is no difference in kind between man and man, [for] reason is certainly common to us all."

A natural law problem

     Professor Quesay was very pleased with his research on a recently discovered community, The Alloi. One family had invited him to a special dinner in honour of Grandfather Alloi’s seventieth birthday—and as that was a mark of great respect he said he would be honoured to go. Grandfather Alloi, together with his slightly younger wife, Grandma Alloi, had been his main oral history source for many fascinating accounts of the traditions of the society. These people were descendants of an ancient Greek society who had left their homes in Mesopotamia to set themselves up on a remote peninsula in the Americas. The venerable—but still very sprightly—old man had seemed particularly keen to tell someone all he knew.

     The dinner was an elaborate affair. During the second introductory course of dried fish and asparagus roots, Professor Quesay noticed that the guest of honour, Grandfather Alloi, was not there. Grandma Alloi and the other guests were most surprised at the question. Surely the learned Professor had realised, the dinner was in honour of the seventieth birthday of Grandfather Alloi? And he was familiar with the customs of the Alloi?

‘Yes, yes,’ said Quesay, embarrassed at appearing ignorant. But he still couldn’t see Grandfather Alloi. And what was it that the Alloi had had as their particular custom for the old?

     Just then the main course arrives. It is a large steaming soup tureen with bits of meat floating in it. And around the tureen are what looks like… Grandfather Alloi’s spectacles! Just then Quesay remembers the traditional habits of the Alloi. It is one that he has had many an interesting debate at college defending. The Alloi believe that when one’s parents reach seventy years of age, it is the duty of the children to kill them. And as a mark of respect, the family eat the deceased!

     Suddenly Professor Quesay doesn’t feel so good. He has lost his appetite. However, he knows that not to eat the special dish would cause great offence. It is, indeed, considered to put a curse on the soul of the departed, and to prevent them going to the next world. In the view of the Alloi, there is no greater wickedness. 

What should the professor do?

"The Life You Save May Be Your Own" by Flannery O'Connor

http://faculty.smu.edu/nschwart/2312/lifeyousave.htm

or read it here

Close reading discussion. Consider stoic philosophy as you frame your answer.

• Physical handicaps are a recurring image in the story. What do they represent?
• How is this story about "virtue" as described by Cicero?
• What is the significance of the car?
• Why does the hitchhiker jump out of the car?