Comparison of Finnis & Raz's arguments

Question 2

Raz on the moral force of law

Answer 2

There may be prudential reasons for obeying law (eg sanctions) but law has no moral force unless it is good. Obligations pertain only to moral matters

Question 3

Finnis on the moral force of law

Answer 3

There is a moral obligation to obey law because of law’s seamless web - it binds people, has coordinating role

Question 4

Raz: Why it’s dangerous to unthinkingly obey law

Answer 4

No thought as to moral content - do we not murder just because the law says so

Question 5

Similarities between Raz and Finnis on where morals are derived fromn

Answer 5

Intuition, look inside yourself, self-evident

Question 6

Differences between Finnis and Raz’s accounts of molrality

Answer 6

Finnis: fixed, pre-existing, society is a way for us to follow morality. Raz: not fixed, product of society “nothing can be a substantive good without society”

Question 7

Raz on self-interest and morality

Answer 7

Problem is that people think that self-interest is a natural concern, whilst concern for morality is not. We don’t pursue an object without an inherent belief that pursuit of that object is good.