Intention and Identity: Collected Essays Volume II

Intention and Identity: Collected Essays Volume II compiles key philosophical works by legal scholar and philosopher John Finnis. The essays examine fundamental questions about human action, personal identity, and the relationship between individuals and groups. The collection focuses on two main themes: the nature of human intention in both individual and group contexts, and the concept of personal and social identity. Finnis analyzes these topics through detailed philosophical arguments while engaging with other prominent thinkers in the field. The essays span decades of Finnis's academic work and showcase his development of natural law theory. His writing incorporates elements of legal philosophy, ethics, and political theory to address complex questions about human behavior and social organization. The volume contributes to ongoing debates about moral responsibility, group dynamics, and the foundations of human society. Finnis's arguments challenge conventional perspectives on intention and identity while proposing new frameworks for understanding these essential aspects of human experience.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of John Finnis's overall work: Readers view Finnis as an important legal philosopher but find his writing dense and technical. Reviews note his rigorous natural law arguments resonate with Catholic and conservative readers while frustrating secular and liberal ones. Liked: - Clear defense of natural law theory - Detailed analysis of practical reasoning - Strong engagement with competing viewpoints - Integration of classical philosophy with modern issues Disliked: - Complex academic prose style - Repetitive arguments - Religious assumptions underlying key claims - Limited accessibility for non-specialists On Goodreads, Finnis's "Natural Law and Natural Rights" averages 4.0/5 stars from 89 ratings. Several reviewers called it "challenging but rewarding." Amazon reviews (12 total) average 3.5/5, with criticism focused on dense writing. One reviewer noted: "Brilliant ideas buried in unnecessarily complicated language." His "Fundamentals of Ethics" receives higher readability scores but fewer total reviews, averaging 4.2/5 on Goodreads from 24 ratings.

Natural Law and Natural Rights by John Finnis A foundational text that explores the philosophical basis of law through natural law theory and its relationship to human practical reasoning.

Law and Moral Action in Western Thought by Thomas L. Pangle An examination of the intersection between law, morality, and human action through analysis of major Western philosophical traditions.

The Concept of Law by H. L. A. Hart A systematic analysis of legal concepts and the nature of law that builds a bridge between legal theory and moral philosophy.

Making Men Moral by Robert P. George A study of law's role in moral formation and the relationship between legal systems and human flourishing.

Law's Order by David D. Friedman An investigation of legal systems through the lens of economic analysis while examining how laws shape human behavior and social outcomes.

🔖 John Finnis developed much of his philosophical work while teaching at Oxford University, where he held the position of Professor of Law and Legal Philosophy from 1989 to 2010. 🔖 The book explores the complex relationship between personal identity and moral responsibility, building on Finnis's natural law theory which he first outlined in his influential work "Natural Law and Natural Rights." 🔖 Many of the essays in this collection challenge dominant secular interpretations of human rights and argue for the relevance of religious perspectives in legal and moral philosophy. 🔖 The concept of intention, which is central to this book, draws significantly from medieval philosopher Thomas Aquinas's work on moral action and human agency. 🔖 This volume is part of a five-volume collection of Finnis's essays, representing decades of scholarship that has influenced both legal theory and Catholic moral philosophy.