Introduction -- Science and Law in the Seventeenth Century -- Space -- The Idea of Universals and Human Cognition -- Intermezzo -- Space(s) of International Law -- Conclusions and Way Forward.
Summary:
"This book is a study of the influence exercised by the discussions relating to the concept of space around the seventeenth century on the development of the idea of modern international law. This study demonstrates a dependence of the standard account of international law as it established itself in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century on a particular conceptualization of space, which emerged in the seventeenth century. However, this underlying concept of space became invisible in international law. Absence of direct engagement with the spatial-conceptual underpinnings of international law today conditioned several recurrent difficulties within the discipline. The study also argues that any proposal for a reform of international law has to take the underlying conceptualization of space seriously and propose an alternative vision of space. Based on book's findings a few suggestions regarding possible future developments of the discipline of international law are formulated. Most notably, the argument is presented to demonstrate that international law is an oxymoron. If the global order continues to be conceived as international, it has to abandon its claim to being law. On the other hand, if the global order wishes to retain its character of law, it has to rethink the underlying concept of normativity away from its international or inter-state side. This rethinking requires a redefinition of the spatial-conceptual underpinnings of international law"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.