Beauty and the Law: A Primer in Philosophy and Theology For Enquiring Minds Committed to the Common Good takes the reader on an introductory journey through Western intellectual history, observed through the prism of the relation of beauty to justice.
It harnesses the insights of philosophy, aesthetics, theology, literature and jurisprudence to fashion a coherent conceptual framework sufficient to enable just action by those committed to the common good. Interrogating the foundations of contemporary postmodernism, it finds within the law the space for beauty, truth and the good to make their continuing claims upon us. Originally delivered as a series of lectures for the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship in Cumbria, United Kingdom, this short introduction to themes within philosophy and theology will be a useful resource for all those searching to find a renewed sense of vocation within our postmodern culture.
Praise for Beauty and the Law:
‘Nothing could be more apt for the times than the publication of Dr Fowler’s original and insightful lectures about Western Civilisation … Dr Fowler’s elegantly constructed lectures drawing upon history, law, literature, the Bible and the Constitution itself deal at a philosophical and practical level with the paradoxes of an increasingly secular age. This anthology is not however written exclusively for the philosopher or the lawyer. It is enlivened by poetry, parable and anecdote. Beauty and the Law could not be more relevant than it is today. It is to be commended to everyone.’ – The Hon Ian DF Callinan AC, former Justice of the High Court of Australia
‘If beauty can light up pathways to human flourishing, we are greatly indebted to Mark Fowler for helping us find the switch again, so long lost in the gloom of our blind materialism.’ – The Hon John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
‘Mark Fowler shows, drawing on history, theology, literature, art and philosophy, that beauty as the pursuit of justice is at the very heart of law-making, advocacy and judicial decision making.’ – The Hon Amanda Stoker, former Commonwealth Assistant Attorney-General
‘This book is a timely reminder that beauty is not a shallow construct but has a much deeper significance for the individual human soul and the broader human condition.’ – Commissioner Lorraine Finlay, Australian Human Rights Commissioner
‘Mark Fowler has done us a great service in these lectures to draw our attention to the divine gift of beauty, and its relevance to the public sphere. Let’s continue to advocate for its power.’ – Reverend Canon Dr Rhys Bezzant, Principal (elect), Ridley College, Melbourne
‘Dr Fowler does a great job of reminding us that law, to be justice, must be related to matters beyond mere law itself and that beauty and what it relates to is one of these important informing notions. A much needed book.’ – Iain T Benson, Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney
