Several years ago, during the confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas a well known senator declared in so many words that he was not interested in natural law but only in laws passed by Congress. In doing so he set himself apart from the human race. Catholic home schoolers know that the natural law is inherent to the nature of all humans who have reached the use of reason. By natural law everyone knows at least the broad outlines of what is good and what is evil. This is not to say that there is no need to study the subject further because the philosophers and thinkers of our race have refined and clarified it for our advantage.
Fifty Questions on the Natural Law by Charles Rice, in catechism form, brings the light of St. Thomas to shine upon the subject. Perhaps no less acute in his reasoning processes, Rice, one of the most eminent of truly Catholic law professors, shines his own light upon the subject. Right and Reason: Ethics in Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition by Austin Fagothey is a college text but one so well organized and clear in its presentation that we do not hesitate to recommend it. Even if it is not used as a text it is a superb reference book. Catholicism and Ethics: A Medical/Moral Handbook is designed as a high school text. It speaks to the morality of specific scientific endeavors which were only dreamed about at the time Father Fagothey wrote his book. Peter Kreeft's Philosophy 101 by Socrates: An Introduction to Philosophy via Plato's Apology is a gentle approach to philosophy which will make the student "feel the enchantment of love-for-wisdom that philosophy is supposed to be."
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