Philippine E-Journals

Natural Law Through Telos: The Ethical Warrant for Human Flourishing

Reynaldo-Bong R. Buhat

Discipline: Philosophy

 

Abstract:

Taking the philosophical lens of Alasdair MacIntyre’s traditionalism which integrates domestic theories as well as foreign theories into itself in a dialogical manner, may allow a more integrated theory, in this case, a broad formulation of the natural law theory. Further, this theory may incorporate the order of reason theory as well as the present context and culture that the society has been inextricably connected to, and that is the influence of technology. At the kernel of this theory which paves the way for a broad construal of natural law is the emphasis for the telos or the ultimate goal of one’s existence. The author argues that a wider and a broader concept of natural law should require the re-thinking of one’s telos. What is really the goal or purpose of human existence? Is it just to live and breathe? Or along with that breathing is the attainment of eudaimonia or the pursuit of human flourishing? The author is convinced that a renewed theory of natural law requires a serious rethinking of one’s telos. This telos is and should only be the pursuit of human flourishing and happiness.