A Philosophical Enquiry into the Laws of Nature

work by Cumberland

Also known as: “De Legibus Naturae, Disquisitio Philosophica”(Show More)

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July 1, 2026

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Richard Cumberland's A Philosophical Enquiry into the Laws of Nature (1672) is a significant work in ethics. It challenges Thomas Hobbes's egoism by arguing that humans should pursue the common good rather than self-interest. Cumberland posits that the well-being of the individual is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the collective.1

His philosophy suggests that laws of nature provide a secure foundation for ethics, moving beyond mere "common consent". Cumberland's emphasis on ends and happiness has led some to consider him a precursor to utilitarianism. He also believed in applying mathematical principles to moral philosophy, developing a "moral calculus" that influenced later ethicists.12

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Richard Cumberland
…Legibus Naturae, Disquisitio Philosophica (1672; A Philosophical Enquiry into the Laws of Nature, 1750). Although it is basically an attack on the views of Thomas Hobbes, the book begins by a consideration of those of Hugo Grotius, Dutch jurist and theologian. Grotius had based the authenticity of the laws of…
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…Legibus Naturae, Disquisitio Philosophica (1672; A Philosophical Enquiry into the Laws of Nature, 1750). Although it is basically an attack on the views of Thomas Hobbes, the book begins by a consideration of those of Hugo Grotius, Dutch jurist and theologian. Grotius had based the authenticity of the laws of…
Read More