On Slavery and the Slave Trade

In On Slavery and the Slave Trade, Luis de Molina examines the ethical and legal dimensions of the Portuguese slave trade, highlighting the inalienable rights of enslaved individuals.

In On Slavery and the Slave Trade, Jesuit Luis de Molina (1535-1600) offers a thorough examination of the legal and ethical implications surrounding the Portuguese trade in enslaved individuals from Africa and Asia. He meticulously analyzes the criteria that must be met for the legitimate possession, sale, and purchase of human freedom, emphasizing that even within the framework of legally sanctioned slavery, individuals retain inalienable rights. These rights include the ability to enter contracts, marry, and, under certain conditions, seek legal recourse against their owners.

Molina's work not only addresses the moral dimensions of slavery but also explores avenues for its abolition. He raises critical questions about the rights of enslaved individuals to escape their bondage. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the political systems and customs of various cultures, including those in Africa, Japan, China, and India, Molina provides a detailed account of the Portuguese slave trade's origins and evolution. His insights shed light on the complex relationships between local leaders and the Portuguese empire, revealing the pervasive deception and coercion that characterized the trade.

While Molina stops short of outright condemnation of slavery as a legal institution, he highlights the deeply flawed and often immoral actions of those involved in the trade. This includes sellers, buyers, and political figures in both Portugal and the regions supplying slaves. His critique serves to illuminate the moral ambiguities of the slave trade and the various degrees of complicity among those who perpetuated this great injustice.