Metaphysical understanding of the development of the concept of natural law

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of the significance of the concept of natural law in social-philosophical theories and practices. The formation of the concept of natural law is inextricably linked to the Western humanistic tradition. In the era of the New Time, the anthropocentric orientation of the Renaissance was reinterpreted and practically oriented to solve problems of humanistic human rights, which is reflected in the natural law doctrines of the time. The situation testified to the fact that the principle of humanism of the Renaissance, which consisted in raising the question of human dignity, moved from the field of philosophy to the field of law. In the Enlightenment, the category of natural law gained a significant status of a philosophical idea in the philosophical and political thought. It stressed the connection of law with the realities of life itself; therefore, humanistic views became an important element of philosophical interpretations of law. At the same time, the idea of the value of the "natural law" phenomenon was not identical to current law; therefore, the problem of the humanization of law remained open. The problem of legal reality assessment in the philosophy of the New Time was due to the division of law into natural and positive. The entire 19th century was under the banner of positive law. The historical school of law denied the existence of natural law, they estimated it individually as the existence of a culture. In the early twentieth century, there were attempts to revive natural law. According to the concept of Neo-Thomists, God is the possessor of absolute power over all people, and natural law is the imperative of law and duty established by the divine mind. Thus, the communion of man to the sphere of natural law was expressed in belonging to the divine truth. Currently, a significant place is occupied by the position of integration of natural law into positive one. Humanism means improving human nature and bringing ideal values to life and, as such, it is the supreme and self-sufficient purpose of human life and activities. As a paradigm of true humanity, humanism forms a stable bond between individuals and between generations. There is no doubt that behind all the outward manifestations, everything that guides people in their legal actions, there are humanistic values and ideals. Thus, the problem of determining the nature of law, the role and importance of the concept of natural law remains open; therefore, to identify the ontological foundations of these phenomena by means of humanism is relevant.

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