西方自然法的几个基本问题

西方自然法观念经历了古希腊罗马自然主义自然法、中世纪神学主义自然法、近代理性主义自然法及现代自由主义自然法几个发展阶段。自然法率先产生于古希腊 ,有其历史、地理、经济及社会背景。自然法之所以历经二千多年而不衰 ,基本原因在于 :古希腊以来的民主法治传统、自然法的价值追求、理性精神及其在方法论上的特点等具有连续性。自然法存在不可避免的缺陷 ,但从总体上讲 ,作为一种积极的意识形态 ,其历史地位和重要意义不容忽视。

The nature law notion in western countries has experienced four phases as the naturalism natural law in ancient Athens and Rome,theologicalism natural law in middle ages,rationalism natural law in latter-day,and liberalism natural law in modern society. Its originating in ancient Athens has its historical, geographic,economic and social context. Its lasting for over 2000 years and prospering has its fundamental reason,i.e. the continuity of the democratic tradition from ancient Athens,of the seeking value,rational spirit,and the feature in methodology of natural law. Natural law also has its unavoidable defects. Despite of this,from a general view,natural law is a positive ideology,asking for our due attention to its historical status and important significance.