Codes :
Correct option is D
The correct match between the figures in List I and the concepts in List II is as follows:
· A) Thomas Aquinas - (3) Dictates of reasoning: Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian whose theory of natural law is fundamental to his philosophical outlook. He believed that law is a "dictate of reason" aimed at the common good and derives its validity from its alignment with moral and rational principles. Aquinas emphasized that a just law must be rooted in rationality and ethics, reflecting the moral order of the universe.
· B) John Austin - (2) Command Theory: John Austin, a key figure in legal positivism, is best known for his "Command Theory" of law. According to Austin, laws are commands issued by a sovereign and backed by the threat of sanctions. Austin separated law from morality, arguing that the validity of a law is determined by its source (the sovereign) rather than its moral content.
· C) Kelsen - (1) Normative order: Hans Kelsen was a prominent legal theorist who developed the "Pure Theory of Law," which sees law as a hierarchical system of norms. Kelsen's focus was on understanding law as a normative order, meaning a system of norms (rules) that guide behavior. He introduced the concept of the "Grundnorm" or "basic norm," which underlies the validity of all other norms in the legal system.
· D) Rawls - (4) Theory of Justice: John Rawls was an American philosopher best known for his work on political philosophy and ethics. His "Theory of Justice," as outlined in his book "A Theory of Justice", proposes principles of justice that would be chosen by rational individuals under conditions of fairness, referred to as the "original position" and behind a "veil of ignorance." Rawls' theory has been highly influential in discussions about justice, fairness, and equality.
Information Booster
· Thomas Aquinas's natural law theory remains a cornerstone in discussions about the intersection of law, morality, and religion. His work laid the groundwork for later discussions on the nature of law and its relationship to human reason.
· John Austin’s "Command Theory" is one of the foundational ideas of legal positivism, emphasizing the authority of the sovereign in the creation of law, distinct from moral considerations.
· Hans Kelsen's theory introduced a way of looking at law purely as a set of norms, independent of external influences like politics or morality, which has influenced legal theory, especially in civil law traditions.
· John Rawls' "Theory of Justice" has influenced contemporary debates on social justice, ethics, and political philosophy, emphasizing fairness as the fundamental principle of social institutions.
Additional Knowledge
· Thomas Aquinas: His influence extends beyond law into ethics, theology, and philosophy. His synthesis of Christian theology with Aristotelian philosophy has shaped Western thought for centuries.
· John Austin: Austin's work marked a significant shift towards a more analytical and empirical approach to law, which has influenced modern legal systems, particularly in the Anglo-American context.
· Hans Kelsen: Kelsen’s ideas were particularly influential in the development of constitutional law and international law. His "Grundnorm" concept is crucial in understanding the validity and authority of legal systems.
· John Rawls: Rawls’ concept of the "original position" and "veil of ignorance" continues to be a vital tool in modern philosophical debates about justice and equality, especially in the context of human rights and public policy.
