The Home of American Intellectual Conservatism — First Principles

September 02, 2010

Conservative Thought—Short Course
Edmund Burke, 1729-1797 Today, "conservatism" is part of our national conversation, a trope for media talking heads. Some accuse conservatism of being nothing but a defense of privilege and prejudice; others defend conservatism as a checklist of salutary policy positions. Too rarely do we stop to reflect on what the meaning of conservatism truly is. The following ISI short course in the history of conservative thought in America will orient students to the major questions, issues, and debates that have taken place over the past half century. It not only contains more than one hundred hyperlinks to helpful ISI and external resources; it also concludes with syllabi directing readers to essential books, articles, and online lectures in the field. [more]
First Principles Short Courses
What are the first principles of a free and humane society?
Find the answers with ISI's online short courses. Go to Short Courses
Thinking about ‘big government’? Get back to basics with ISI’s free markets and civil society resources.
Feature Articles
Recent Articles | RSS
The Rule of Law and the Law of Nature
Russell Hittinger - 08/26/10
Justice The rule of law is essential to a free society. But is the rule of law self-standing, independent from any other standard or source? If not, upon what does it depend? Russell Hittinger addresses these very questions in the following piece, which examines the influence of a “higher law” in the American experience, beyond the immediate civil society and its discourse. . . . [more]
In Memoriam: Manuel Ayau (1925–2010)
08/09/10
Manuel Ayau

Manuel Ayau, an “entrepreneur of ideas” known to lovers of liberty on four continents, passed away on August 4 at the age of eighty-four. First Principles remembers Dr. Ayau, the founding president of Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala, which ISI president T. Kenneth Cribb Jr. has called “one of the most remarkable universities in the world.” . . . [more]

Last Things: The Rule of Law
James V. Schall, S.J. - 08/05/10
Speed limit sign Whether it is better to be ruled by law or by men is a perennial question already found in Plato and Aristotle. In general, we answer this question by saying it is better to be ruled by law, provided that the law be understood and applied by men who know its particular application here and now. Ultimately, to be ruled by law means to be ruled by reason. . . . Father Schall on the true meaning of the phrase “rule of law.” . . . [more]
What Is the “Rule of Law”?
David W. Skubik - 08/03/10
Back to First Principles: The Rule of Law
08/02/10
In Memoriam: Thomas Molnar (1921–2010)
John Zmirak - 07/28/10
From the ISI Journal Archives
Recent Archives | RSS
The Higher Law and “Original Intent”: The Challenge for Conservatism
Charles R. Kesler - 08/31/10
Is there a “higher law” on which the rule of law depends? In this classic essay from the ISI archives, Charles R. Kesler considers “higher” and “natural law” in the context of the Constitution, the role of judges, and judicial review. . . . [more]
Hayek’s Perception of the “Rule of Law”
Kurt R. Leube - 08/04/10
While law used to mean a general rule equally applicable to all, we have come to call a law whatever the representative assembly resolves. . . . Nobel Prize–winning economist Friedrich Hayek’s insightful reflections on the rule of law in a free society. . . . [more]
Tradition and Social Change
Thomas Molnar (from IR 7:2, Fall 1970) - 07/28/10
Tradition is not the past, but the lived past, inseparable from the present and the future. . . . First Principles remembers Thomas Molnar, who passed away on July 20, with this essay he wrote for the Fall 1970 issue of the Intercollegiate Review. . . . [more]
Conservatism, Centralization, and Constitutional Federalsim
George W. Carey (MA 46:1-2, Winter/Spring 2004) - 07/13/10
Liberalism in America
Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn (from IR 33:1, Fall 1997) - 03/24/10
The Academy
Join the discussion
of higher education
The Porch
Join the discussion
of conservative ideas
Opportunity Knocks
Start an ISI Group on Your Campus
ISI Groups have long served as a dynamic and enriching way for students and faculty to explore the values and institutions that help sustain a free society. [more]
Join the ISI Books Readers Club
Only $15. Zero obligations. No ongoing commitments. Fantastic year-round savings on books that matter. [more]
ISI Forum—Live
Join Discussion
Reference Desk*
Wedemeyer, General Albert C.
Lifespan: (1896–1989)

A career army officer, General Albert C. Wedemeyer came to prominence in the era of World War II as a strategic planner on the War Department General Staff ... [more]

*Selections from
American Conservatism:
An Encyclopedia

College Corner
Choosing the Right College

Completely revised and rewritten, ISI's College Guide is now a biannual publication. Get the inside scoop on over 200 colleges and universities rated best in the nation. [more]

Choosing the Right College

Have a college-related question? Login to the College Guide Forum.
Join ISI Now

Amazon.com Logo

By clicking the logo above to shop Amazon.com, every purchase helps to support ISI.

Intercollegiate Studies Institute • 3901 Centerville Rd. • Wilmington, Delaware 19807-1938 • www.isi.org
Please direct all inquiries regarding First Principles to firstprinciples@isi.org.