Ethique Sociale. Tome II Philosophie Du Droit by Arther Utz (review)

136 BOOK REVIEWS special way on the work and to provide the basis for an analysis of its philosophical and theological implications. The genesis of the essay is 1raced to Hamann's conversion to an evangelical version of Christianity in London in 1758 and to the later unsuccessful attempt of two friends to persuade him to renounce his new faith. One of the friends was to become the celebrated philosopher Emmanuel Kant; the other was an ardent rationalist, Johann Christoph Berens. The Socratic Memorabilia was an answer to the friendly remonstrations of Kant and Berens and a clear rejection of the Enlightenment version of Socrates as a rationalistic hero. Hamann presents the sage as a forerunner of Christ and to some extent of the Christian believer. Professor O'Flaherty points out that Hamann, finding it impossible to speak directly of the Christian message in an age of rationalism, attempts to interpret Socrates within the Christian frame of reference. One of the most original features of the discussion of form is an analysis of the intrinsic dramatic qualities of Hamann's little work in Chapter 4 of Part I. Here as elsewhere the translator and commentator reveals considerable breadth and depth of scholarship. The analysis of Part I and the translator's notes contribute immeasurably to a reader's total comprehension of the content of the Memorabilia. The appendix contains a tabulation of typological themes, biblical references , and a graphic representation of the essential unity of the work. An extensive bibliography is followed by a very serviceable index. In the present volume Professor O'Flaherty makes accessible to a wide circle of readers a classic of the Age of Goethe which should merit the interest of philosophers as well as students of literature. In this reviewer's opinion, he has made through careful and rewarding scholarship a distinguished contribution to the current revival of interest in Hamann interpretation. Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio JosEPH E. BoURGEOis Ethique Sociale. Tome II Philosophic Du Droit. By ARTHER UTZ. Editions Universitaires Fribourg Suisse, 1967. Pp. 868. Price 85 Suisse Francs. Writing philosophy has always been a luxury in which only a few could indulge. Yet it is in the nature and to the advantage of all men to conduct their lives and affairs by some ultimate reasons of their existence. Social and political relaitions are an example i~ point. It is only from the vantage of some values which transcend the immediate private interest that we can-as inevitably we have to-harmonize our personal interests BOOK REVIEWS 137 in view of a common good, and it is only by reference to a superior norm that we can reasonably submit ourselves to a particular law which other persons make for us or the sovereign for the people. But while the concept of a superior reason in life is something that we generally live by, the concept of an unchangeable ultimate reason of things is not so generally accepted. Contemporary morals and jurisprudence, in particular, show many signs of a positivistic and even pragmatic orientation. Although, even today, few jurists would favor a law completely neutral ethically, the tendency is, nonetheless, to separate law from morality, mainly, perhaps, because of the latter's frequent association with a particular religion. But whatever position we take in regard to the relationship between law and morals, there always remains the question of what precisely constitutes the normative nature of the law itself. Politics and sociology may attempt but only philosophy can give an adequate answer. This is the theme and the thesis of Fr. Utz's present treatise. Philosophy of Right, which, in translation, is the subtitle of this work, is the second of five volumes intended to cover the main areas of social philosophy under a general heading of Ethique Sociale. Volume One, on the principles of social doctrine, appeared in 1960; three other volumes to be devoted to the social, economic and political orders respectively, are in preparation. All are originally in German, but the French translation has so far been very successful. The author, a Dominican and professor at the University of Fribourg, has been engaged in social studies for many years. His published works include...