The Ethics of Fetal Pain
The science of fetal pain remains uncertain, but we still have a duty to avoid the possibility of inflicting undue suffering.
Why We Can’t Help But Legislate Morality
All legislation is moral. The sooner we recognize this fact, the better.
A Tale of Two Plazas
The public spaces where we live and work and relax have a real, if subtle, impact on how each of us experiences and reflects on our world.
Is Originalism Dead?
In his latest book, law professor David A. Strauss attacks the idea of originalism and champions the “living Constitution.” Matt Franck explains why he’s wrong.
Abortion, Conscience, and Doctors
Suggestions to end conscience protection ignore the importance of conscience and rely on a circular—and baseless—understanding of a woman’s “right” to abortion. Following such suggestions would be detrimental to the entire health care system.
Where in the Constitution is “Separation of Church and State”?
Misleading talk of “separation of church and state” obscures the true meaning of the First Amendment.
Pornography and Socially Responsible Investing
The practice of socially responsible investing, often associated with opposition to apartheid or support for environmental causes, can also be a way to battle the harms of pornography.
Intellectuals and the Masses
Intellectuals have failed to recognize the real character of the Tea Party.
Tea Party Metaphysics: Where Do We Go From Here?
Social conservatives must understand and embrace America’s traditional economic culture before they can contribute to its renewal. Economic conservatives must expel the infection of shallow anthropology, vulgar utilitarianism, and metaphysical blindness that they picked up from progressivism in the 20th century.
Tea Party Metaphysics: Economics and First Principles
The Tea Party taps into the full social and cultural power of transcendent moral appeals in a way that social conservatives have never been able to do. The first in a two-part series.
The Other F-Word
In an article adapted from his debate last week with Peter Singer and Maggie Little on the moral status of the “fetus,” Professor Finnis explains that outside of medical contexts use of the word “fetus” is offensive, dehumanizing, prejudicial, and manipulative. It obscures our perception of moral reality. Moral status is not a matter of choice or grant or convention, but of recognition, of someone who matters, and matters as an equal, whether we like it or not.
Marriage and the Law of Tradition
Custom and tradition, far from being necessarily irrational, are often the vehicles of guiding and binding reason.
Don’t Defend, Don’t Tell
The Obama Administration has chosen to place political considerations over a proper defense of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law.
Swastikas, Burning Crosses, and “God Hates Fags”
It’s time for conservatives and liberals alike to remember that certain words by their very utterance inflict injury.
Four Lions: The Absurdity of Terror
In the British film Four Lions, farcical humor meets terror-jihad, and it is a match made almost in heaven.
Elitism and Judicial Supremacy
Faced with an increasingly democratic political system, American elites have turned to the courts as an alternate means of enacting their political and constitutional agenda.
Europe’s Choice on Conscience Protection
A new resolution before Europe’s leading human rights council attacks conscience and community.
Times of Clear and Present Danger
A new book by Gabriel Schoenfeld examines the dangers and difficulties inherent in keeping state secrets.
The Argument Over Pregnancy: And Why it Matters
Accepting the “liberal” definition on pregnancy can actually help clarify the morality of contraception, abortion, and embryo adoption.
Friendship in Foreign Policy
Both realists and idealists should cast off cold neutrality and take up friendship’s warm embrace.
Religion, Journalism, and the New American Orthodoxy
In an address delivered today before the Religion Newswriters Association, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver commended America’s journalists of religion and challenged them to approach their important work with integrity, fairness, and humility.
Killing the Extremist Idea that Threatens America: Counter Fear with Freedom
We must oppose violent extremists in part by promoting freedom of religion, both at home and abroad. Part two of two.
Killing the Extremist Idea that Threatens America: The Misalliance of Muslims and Secularists
The deepening relationship between American Muslims and secular liberals ignores fundamental issues of faith and freedom. Part one of two.
Women, Abortion, and the Brain
Women are hard-wired for relationships—and a woman’s relationship to her baby is one of the most powerful of all, whether she realizes it or not. The hard-wiring of the brain may explain many women’s disturbing post-abortion feelings.
