Liberty and Nature

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The authors explore how Aristotle's thinking, often seen as antagonistic to modern liberal, pluralistic, and commercial society, actually supports the natural rights that underpin liberal principles. They challenge prevailing views by demonstrating that Aristotelian ethics, grounded in natural-end ethics, emphasizes human flourishing as the ultimate moral standard. The work delves into the concept of the common good through the lens of rights theory, arguing that the Aristotelian notion of the state's role in promoting the common good aligns with the Lockean perspective of protecting individual liberty. Rather than a singular goal, the common good consists of conditions that foster the well-being and self-actualization of community members. The authors also analyze the relationship between Aristotelian friendship and commercial transactions, providing a nuanced understanding of how these concepts interact. Additionally, they compare their interpretation with alternative defenses of liberal social orders, offering a comprehensive view of how Aristotelian thought can coexist with and reinforce modern liberal ideals.