Curated category
Philosophy of law
- TortureA captured Viet Cong soldier, blindfolded and tied in a stress position by American forces during the Vietnam War of 1967, illustrates the deliberate…
- Freedom of speechIn the late 6th or early 5th century BC, ancient Athenian democracy introduced a principle that allowed citizens to speak freely within their assemblies.
- JusticeIn the 4th century BCE, Plato wrote The Republic to explore what justice truly means for both individuals and cities. He described a person as having three…
- Separation of powersPolybius wrote in his Histories, Book 6, about the Roman Republic during the second century before Christ. He described a mixed government ruled by three…
- Laws (dialogue)Plato wrote The Laws as his last and longest dialogue. This work stands apart from all other conversations attributed to him because Socrates never appears…
- Dignitas (Roman concept)The Latin word dignitas appears in ancient texts without a direct English equivalent. Translators often choose dignity, prestige, or charisma to capture its…
- Human rightsThe Magna Carta, issued in 1215, stands as one of the earliest documents where a sovereign committed to respecting legal rights for his people.
- Positive lawThe word positive comes from the verb to posit, meaning to place or set down. Human-made laws that oblige or specify an action fall under this category.
- ImperiumThe Latin verb imperare means to command. Ancient Roman citizens used this word to describe absolute or kingly power. Early usage reflected total control…
- Law and economicsHarold Luhnow, the head of the Volker Fund, financed F. A. Hayek in the United States starting in 1946. He shortly thereafter funded Aaron Director's move to…