"Moral Innatism and Legal Theory"

Abstract:

In this paper I critically assess a proposal called 'Universal Moral  Grammar' and its implications for legal theory. I explain its  relevance with respect to Natural Law approaches to legislation and  our moral competence. I present objections to this proposal and offer  behavioral evidence concerning its plausibility as a scientific theory  of moral competence. An important conclusion of the paper is that  lawyers and legal theorist have now the responsibility to look beyond  their field, and should start taking a more proactive role in the  interdisciplinary study of social behavior.