Natural Law

Definition

Natural law is a moral theory that posits the existence of a universal set of moral principles inherent in human nature, discoverable through reason. It emphasizes that these principles govern ethical behavior and should inform human laws, suggesting that morality is not just a social construct but rooted in the natural order of the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural law has its roots in ancient philosophy, particularly in the works of Aristotle, who argued for an objective moral order based on human nature.
2. In the medieval period, thinkers like Thomas Aquinas integrated natural law with Christian theology, asserting that God's eternal law is revealed through reason and nature.
3. Natural law serves as a foundation for many legal systems, arguing that laws should reflect moral truths derived from human nature.
4. Critics of natural law often point to cultural relativism, suggesting that moral principles are not universal and can vary across different societies.
5. Natural law theory has influenced various areas of thought, including human rights discourse, asserting that certain rights are inherent to all people based on their nature as human beings.

Review Questions

• How does natural law theory differentiate between moral laws and human-made laws?
  • Natural law theory asserts that moral laws are universal and derive from human nature, whereas human-made laws are constructed by societies and can vary widely. This distinction emphasizes that while human laws can be flawed and unjust, natural laws provide an objective standard that should guide the creation of laws. Thus, a law that contradicts natural law can be considered illegitimate, highlighting the importance of aligning legal systems with inherent moral truths.
• Evaluate the influence of natural law on modern ethical frameworks and legal systems.
  • Natural law has significantly shaped modern ethical theories and legal practices by promoting the idea that laws should reflect universal moral principles. Many contemporary legal systems incorporate natural law ideas, especially in discussions about human rights, where certain rights are seen as inalienable due to our shared humanity. This perspective encourages lawmakers to consider ethical implications in their legislation, aiming for a just society based on an understanding of human nature.
• Analyze the arguments for and against natural law as a basis for ethics and morality.
  • Supporters of natural law argue that it provides a solid foundation for ethics by grounding morality in human nature and universal principles. They believe this approach creates a common framework for justice and accountability. However, critics argue that natural law can be overly simplistic and dismissive of cultural differences, suggesting that moral values are often shaped by societal context rather than inherent truths. The debate centers around whether morality is objective and universal or subjective and relative to individual cultures.

Related terms

Moral Absolutism: The ethical belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong regardless of context.

Divine Command Theory: An ethical framework which asserts that what is morally right is determined by God's commands, suggesting a divine source of morality.

Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that advocates for actions that maximize happiness or well-being for the majority, contrasting with natural law's emphasis on inherent moral principles.