Martin Luther King, Jr.: Jeffersonian; Champion of Natural Law Philosophy

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Title: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Jeffersonian; Champion of Natural Law Philosophy
Author: James M. Masnov
Faculty Sponsor: Mark Henkels
Abstract: Martin Luther King, Jr. is celebrated in mainstream American culture as a champion of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. He is also lauded in the halls of academia for his growing political radicalism prior to his assassination in 1968. Neither view of the man, however, generally acknowledges his deep-rooted political philosophy of Natural Law. This aspect of King, which informed his civic protest, speeches, and political ideology, has been given short shrift in recent decades. While popular culture credits his integrity and intellectuals admire his advocacy for significant reforms in domestic and foreign policy, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s principle tenet has been largely removed from public memory. This should be corrected, as King's arguments for civil rights, including the right to protest and equal protection under the law, were steeped in Natural Law philosophy.
Subject: American Politics; Ethics and Political Philosophy; Intellectual History; Political History; Political Theory; United States History; Martin Luther King; Thomas Jefferson; Natural Law; Abraham Lincoln; Classical Liberalism; unalienable rights
Rights: Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.; http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Type: Text
volume: 6
Date Published: 3/5/2018
Note: Mark Henkels
Alternative Title: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Jeffersonian
Identifier: pure/vol6/iss1/5
Language: eng