Abstract

The paper reconstructs how the problem of social order has been considered over time - from antiquity to the present day - in its connection with human nature, depicted both in need of order and able to order itself, although in an imperfect way. Such a reconstruction aims to show how the law - which the author believes the philosophy of law must consider both in its origin and in its historical context - could serve as an instrument for producing a human order in the circumstances characterising present societies.