Rousseau's Theory of Natural Law as Conditional

Abstract

Though rousseau rejects traditional versions he believes in a natural law which man can grasp independently of any knowledge of god. It is natural in the sense that in a given set of circumstances man by a combination of simple reason and conscience can know what is right and wrong, Just and unjust. However, Its obligatory character is conditional. In the one case it depends on the ascertainable fact of human enforcement, And in the other, On a strong inner faith in the existence of god. If both of these faiths are in vain, The whole question of natural law becomes at best academic, And the ideal of moral freedom, Quixotic.