THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NATURALISM VS. ANTYNATURALISM DISPUTE FOR THE LEGAL SCIENCES

Abstract

The dispute between naturalists and antinaturalists dates back to the 19th century but the case still remains valid. The article talks about these two opposing positions and their relevance to the legal sciences. Naturalism is based on a postulate of the universality of all studies. It states that the empirical knowledge is the only legitimate type of knowledge about the world. Moreover, the naturalists consider the methods used in physical sciences the only recommendable ones. Antinaturalists question this vision
of the science. The article presents the main positions of the literature about naturalism v. antynaturalism dispute. The case is significant for the legal sciences, because its goal is to resolve the issue of scientific nature of jurisprudence and all humanities.