Presenting ALIPHID

Posted on 2025-01-19 by

Lebanese Association for the Philosophy of Law (ALIPHID)
(Law and Society)

Publication Date: 2025-01-19

In Plato’s Republic, the essential problem that founded the philosophy of law was posed, namely the relationship between power and law. Let us simply point out here that in the times of Plato and Aristotle, the notion of justice was based on the rationality of human nature, that is to say on conceptions relating to man and nature; whereas things would change in the Middle Ages when divine force came to the aid of interpreting or justifying human reason. In Grotius’ eyes, human reason spontaneously creates legal norms and this explains his opposition to Calvinist fanaticism.

With Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in the social contract, individuals give up all their natural rights since freedom is in submission to a law created by human reason (general will) which makes man a citizen.

All the great philosophers and jurists, both in the West and the East, had their opinions on law and philosophy: Kant and Hegel, Marx and Engels, Ibn Khaldoun, Averroës and al-Chirazi… secular as well as religious…

With these few introductory words we simply want to “set the tone,” to express our attachment to the mother of sciences that is philosophy.

Who We Are

The Lebanese Association for the Philosophy of Law (Law and Society) was established on March 7, 2005 under the dossier number 3428/4-2005.

We are a group of people concerned with research in law and philosophy.

Why the philosophy of law?

Because philosophy is life, science, law and the mother of us all. And because law is the regulator of people’s lives and a unique tool, despite its harshness for certain categories of people (the poor), to provide justice.

Any decision made by the judiciary is necessarily preceded by philosophical work, consciously or unconsciously. But it seems that modernity has neglected the philosophy of law; however, fortunately, many jurists and philosophers have advanced sufficiently to restore to the philosophy of law its primordial role, whether in the disciplines of higher education or in scientific research and legal work (legislation, jurisprudence, doctrine).

Needless to say, we are secularists, radically secular, and we consider that religion should be limited to the individual and his or her beliefs and that the State should separate religion from public affairs.

It is similarly unnecessary to point out that our statutes allow us to support charitable projects in aid of the needy. In Lebanon, for the last several years and especially after this war (which continues), needs are enormous. Our association is open to any support from our comrades (we do not ask just anyone).

Lebanon is currently experiencing dark days. We finally have a President of the Republic. But there is a huge need for reconstruction after the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Written by:
Bchara Saliba
Georges Saad