Hadley Arkes to Receive the 2025 Benedict Leadership Award

The Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College is pleased to recognize Hadley Arkes as the recipient of the 2025 Benedict Leadership Award. This award highlights the achievements of individuals whose lives reflect the heroic leadership of Saint Benedict.

 

Belmont Abbey College founded the Benedict Leadership Institute in 2016 to develop Catholic leaders and inspire them to transform society in light of their faith. Mr. Arkes is the eighth recipient of the Benedict Leadership Award, being recognized in part for his advocacy and preservation of the lives of children and adherence to the doctrines of Natural Rights.

 

Hadley Arkes is a distinguished American professor, political philosopher, and constitutional scholar, known for his contributions to legal and political theory, particularly within the context of natural law, constitutionalism, and moral reasoning. His work spans several decades, significantly influencing debates in law, politics, and ethics, especially regarding the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and the moral foundations of law. Arkes has been a leading advocate for a natural law-centered approach to legal reasoning and has played a key role in developing conservative legal thought.

 

Early Life and Education Born in 1942, Arkes earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and studied law at Yale Law School, where he developed interests in philosophy, legal theory, and constitutional law. His academic journey was marked by a desire to merge the study of law with a deep commitment to moral and ethical questions.

 

Career and Teaching Arkes spent much of his career as a professor at Amherst College, becoming prominent in political science. His scholarly focus was on the intersection of law, politics, and moral philosophy. Throughout his academic career, Arkes remained committed to educating students about the importance of moral reasoning in law and political life.

In addition to his academic duties, Arkes became an influential voice in public discourse, especially regarding issues of life, liberty, and human rights protection. His work gained recognition within conservative circles for its emphasis on natural law principles.

 

Major Accomplishments and Advocacy Arkes is best known for his advocacy of natural law as a framework for constitutional interpretation. His ideas have shaped the conservative legal movement, particularly on issues such as abortion and the sanctity of life. He has been deeply involved in efforts to overturn or limit the scope of Roe v. Wade.

He played a significant role in creating and promoting the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act in the 2000s, a critical piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that infants born alive after a failed abortion would receive medical care and legal protection.

 

Board Seats and Involvement Arkes has served on numerous boards and advisory committees related to law, politics, and ethics, including the Board of Advisors for the James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding. He has also been involved with various pro-life organizations and conservative legal institutions.

 

Publications and Writings Arkes has written extensively for popular publications and journals, contributing articles and essays on constitutional issues, legal philosophy, and moral debates. His writings often engage with contemporary political issues and provide insights grounded in his natural law perspective.

 

Religious History and Influence Now a devout Roman Catholic convert from Judaism, Arkes’s religious beliefs profoundly influence his academic and intellectual work. His commitment to the Catholic faith shapes much of his moral and political philosophy, particularly regarding issues like abortion, euthanasia, and the sanctity of life.

He advocates for the integration of moral reasoning in public life, believing that religious and moral truths should inform the way laws are structured and interpreted.

 

Conclusion Hadley Arkes stands as one of the most respected figures in contemporary political philosophy and constitutional law. His work, grounded in natural law principles and informed by his Catholic faith, continues to shape debates on fundamental issues such as abortion, constitutional interpretation, and the role of morality in public life.

Throughout his career, Arkes has been recognized for his scholarly work and public service, receiving numerous accolades and honorary degrees. His influence extends beyond academia, as he is frequently invited to speak at public forums, conferences, and legislative hearings, where his expertise is highly sought after.