The Concept of Dharma in Medieval Hindu Legal Traditions with Thomas Aquinas’ Natural Law Philosophy

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Scope of Study

1.2 Literature Review

1.3 Research Methodology

1.4 Research Hypothesis

1.5 Tentative Chapterisation

Chapter 2: Mystery of Natural Law

2.1 Origin of Natural Law

2.2 Pre Christian Understanding of Natural Law

2.3 Christianity and Natural Law

2.4 Development of Natural Law in Post Medieval Period

2.5 Revival of Natural Law and Neo Thomism

2.6 Conclusion

Chapter 3: Thomistic Notion of Natural Law

3.1 World of Aquinas

3.2 Summa Theologiae and Aquinas’ Moral Philosophy

3.3 Thomistic Legal Understanding as Continuation of Old Testament Law

3.4 Types of Laws

3.5 Ideas on Obedience of Aquinas

Chapter 4: Dharma in Medieval Hindu Jurisprudence as a Norm

4.1 Understanding Medieval Hindu Jurisprudence

4.2 Dharmashstra in Medieval Period

4.3 Dharma and Achara

Chapter 5: Conclusion

5.1 Concept of Atmatusti with Thomistic Idea of Conscience

5.2 Idea of Obedience and Divinity in Both Concepts

5.3 Concluding Remarks

Research Objectives and Themes

This study provides a comparative legal analysis between the concept of Dharma in medieval Hindu jurisprudence and the Natural Law theory of Thomas Aquinas, focusing on how these two distinct civilizations defined legal authority and moral obligation during the Middle Ages.

• Comparison of medieval Hindu Dharma and Thomistic Natural Law.
• Evaluation of the legal significance of moral conscience (Atmatusti vs. Conscience).
• Analysis of the role of religious authority in shaping legal frameworks.
• The influence of social customs (Achara) on the practical application of law.
• Historical context of medieval legal development in India and Europe.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction: Outlines the research scope, literature review, and methodology for comparing Dharma and Thomistic Natural Law.

Chapter 2: Mystery of Natural Law: Traces the evolution of natural law concepts in Western jurisprudence from ancient Greek and Christian traditions to the medieval period.

Chapter 3: Thomistic Notion of Natural Law: Analyzes Thomas Aquinas’s moral philosophy and his categorization of laws within the Summa Theologiae.

Chapter 4: Dharma in Medieval Hindu Jurisprudence as a Norm: Explores the role of Dharma, customs, and Vedic authority in the medieval Indian legal tradition.

Chapter 5: Conclusion: Synthesizes the comparative findings, specifically addressing conscience and divine obedience in both legal systems.

Keywords

Natural Law, Dharma, Thomas Aquinas, Middle Age, Hindu Jurisprudence, Summa Theologiae, Atmatusti, Achara, Conscience, Medieval Law, Moral Philosophy, Legal History, Divinity, Customary Law, Ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The work focuses on a comparative analysis of medieval Hindu legal tradition, specifically the concept of Dharma, and the Western Christian Natural Law theory as articulated by Thomas Aquinas.

Which civilizations are being compared?

The dissertation compares the medieval Indian legal tradition and the medieval European legal tradition during the Middle Ages.

What is the central research question?

The research asks how these two distinct civilizations constructed their notions of Natural Law and how they influenced the obedience of subjects to law and order.

What methodology does the author employ?

The author uses a doctrinal approach, relying on primary texts like Aquinas's Summa Theologiae and ancient Indian texts such as the Rig Veda and Dharmashastra, alongside secondary scholarly literature.

What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?

The main body covers the history of Natural Law in the West, the theological foundations of Thomistic law, the structure of Dharma in medieval India, and the relationship between customs (Achara) and law.

Which specific scholars are referenced regarding Dharma?

The author extensively references Donald Davis Jr., Robert Lingat, and Patrick Olivelle regarding their interpretations of Dharma and its practice in medieval India.

How does the author interpret the concept of 'Atmatusti'?

The author explores Atmatusti as a source of Dharma based on inner conscience or 'inner contentment,' drawing parallels between this concept and the Thomistic view of human conscience.

What conclusion does the author reach regarding the two traditions?

The author concludes that despite significant differences, both systems share a foundational belief in the moral force of law as a means to guide human action toward goodness.