Natural Law

Definition

Natural law is a philosophical concept that suggests there are inherent moral principles and values that govern human behavior, derived from nature and reason rather than man-made laws. It emphasizes the existence of a universal order that should guide human conduct, suggesting that true justice is grounded in these natural laws. This idea plays a significant role in discussions about governance and ethics, particularly in relation to divine authority and moral order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural law theory was significantly developed by Thomas Aquinas, who argued that human beings can discern natural law through reason and reflection on the world around them.
2. Aquinas distinguished between eternal law (God's overarching order) and natural law, which reflects this order in a way accessible to human beings.
3. Natural law has influenced various fields such as ethics, politics, and law, providing a framework for assessing the morality of human-made laws and governance.
4. Augustine's political theology laid the groundwork for later discussions on natural law by emphasizing the divine nature of justice and the importance of aligning human laws with divine principles.
5. Natural law has been foundational in the development of modern human rights theories, arguing that rights are derived from our nature as rational beings.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine's view of justice relate to the concept of natural law?
  • Augustine's view of justice is deeply intertwined with natural law as he believed that true justice comes from God and must align with divine order. He argued that earthly authorities should reflect this divine justice, emphasizing that human laws should be based on eternal truths found in natural law. Augustine posited that any human law contradicting natural law would be unjust, which highlights the moral imperative for governments to adhere to higher principles.
• What role does Aquinas attribute to reason in understanding natural law, and how does this influence just governance?
  • Aquinas posited that reason is crucial for understanding natural law, as it allows individuals to discern moral truths inherent in the world. He believed that through rational reflection, humans could grasp the principles of natural law that should guide their actions. This understanding influences just governance by asserting that laws must align with these natural principles to be deemed legitimate; a government failing to uphold natural law loses its moral authority.
• Evaluate how natural law theory has shaped contemporary debates on human rights and its implications for political philosophy.
  • Natural law theory has profoundly shaped contemporary debates on human rights by establishing the notion that certain rights are intrinsic to human nature and not merely granted by governments. This perspective insists that political authorities have an obligation to recognize and protect these rights, thus providing a moral foundation for critiquing unjust laws or practices. The implications for political philosophy include an ongoing discourse about the source of rights, the limits of governmental power, and the moral responsibilities of leaders towards their citizens, which continues to influence modern legal systems and international norms.

Related terms

Moral Absolutism: The belief that certain actions are universally right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences.

Divine Command Theory: The ethical theory that posits that moral values are dictated by God's commands, making morality dependent on divine authority.

Human Rights: The fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, often considered to be universal and inalienable.