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Rival Conceptions of Order

This chapter lays out rival conceptions of order. The theory of immanent order is predicated on a doctrine of internal relations such that mutually related things jointly compose an interconnected whole. This whole imparts a necessary and rationally intelligible pattern of place and purpose, knowledge of which is acquired by investigating both efficient and final causes. The theory of imposed order is predicated on a doctrine of external relations. Singular things, having no intrinsic connections, enter into relations that are imposed from without, either by legislation or the force exerted by an impersonal mechanism. The result is a contingent pattern of order that is explained with reference to empirical observation and investigating efficient causes. Each of these theories of order presupposes a particular conception of God and a particular interpretation of the creation story in Genesis. These theories provide the ground of the argument that is developed throughout this book, namely that modern theories of international order are deeply indebted to ideas traceable to the biblical conception of God and the emphasis it places on will, power, and might. The implications here are twofold. First, modern international thought did not emerge de novo with the collapse of medieval Christendom. Second, particular conceptions of God give rise to analogies and metaphors that are used to comment on questions of politics and law. The chapter concludes by suggesting that the character of modern theories of international order is negotiated by the distinctive commitments of these rival theories.