What Is Natural Law?
Natural law is a profound theory in ethics and philosophy asserting that humans possess intrinsic values governing their reasoning and behavior. According to this doctrine, these rules of right and wrong are inherent in people and not bestowed by societal structures or judicial decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- The theory of natural law posits that human beings have an intrinsic sense of right and wrong shaping their reasoning and behavior.
- Concepts of natural law date back to the era of Plato and Aristotle and have been upheld by visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
- Natural law stands consistent over time and across cultures because it ties to human nature rather than societal customs.
- It holds a contrast to theories which argue that laws are socially constructed.
- Examples of natural law permeate various fields, from philosophy to economics.
Understanding Natural Law
Natural law posits universal moral standards inherent to humanity through all times, setting the foundation for a just society. These principles aren’t inborn teachings but are discovered as people consistently choose good over evil. Certain schools of thought even suggest these values are divinely inspired.
According to natural law, every individual, irrespective of their political, cultural, or religious affiliations, is granted the same rights that cannot be revoked by others. Not to be confused with human rights that can change with societal opinions, natural law upholds principles like the sanctity of life, liberty, and personal development as one’s perpetual rights.
Although dominantly discussed in ethics and philosophy, natural law also significantly influences theoretical economics.
Natural Law vs. Positive Law
Natural law argues for civil laws rooted in morality and ethics versus positive law created by human statutory and common laws, which might or might not exhibit these inherent morals. For example, speed limits and legal drinking ages are created human laws, ideally inspired by natural principles.
Natural laws are intrinsic to human nature, while positive laws develop within societal contexts.
Examples of Natural Law
Embedded in Philosophy and Religion
- Aristotle (384–322 BCE): Seen as the founder of natural law, he distinguished between justice by nature and justice by law, advocating universal natural justice.
- St. Thomas Aquinas (1224/25–1274 CE): Linked natural law closely with divine eternal law, urging humanity to perform good and avoid evil.
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948): Identified seven social sins undermining humanity, using natural law as their counteract.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968): Promoted the ethical obligation to defy unjust laws contrary to natural law, echoing Aquinas’s stand on righteous human advancement.
While traditionally separated from economics, natural law principles profoundly echo throughout economic history and theories.
Natural Law in the U.S. Legal System
Natural law significantly influences the foundation of the U.S legal system. Documents like the Declaration of Independence declare unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as fundamental, heavily reflecting natural law principles. Over time, this foundation has led to crucial legal frameworks ensuring universal rights.
Examples of Natural Law in Economics
Examples:
- Medieval Economists: Emphasized natural law in theories surrounding the just price of goods.
- John Locke: Asserted natural rights in property and economics, transforming resources into economic goods through labor.
- Adam Smith (1723–1790): Defined natural economic laws like self-interest, competition, and supply-demand norms. Smith’s ideas continue to shape modern economic teachings.
How Natural Law Influences Systems of Government
Governments rooted in these principles reflect in constitutions and penal codes, like banning universally immoral crimes such as murder and rape.
Natural Law’s Role in Business Ethics
Principles of fair and transparent business practices resonate with natural law. For instance, ethical selling and transparency in medication marketing ensure consumers’ actual benefits, showcasing natural law principles at work.
Addressing the Flaws of Natural Law Theory
Despite its compelling perspectives, natural law’s universality doesn’t account for varying cultural definitions of fairness or justice, bringing diverse results based on individual and societal views.
The Bottom Line
Natural law’s ethical doctrine emphasizes inherent moral compasses guiding human behavior from birth. These universal rules underscore what’s considered right or wrong. Rooted deep within various aspects of human life and societal structures, including laws and business regulations, natural law remains unwavering despite differing human interpretations and cultural practices.
Related Terms: ethics, philosophy, human rights, intrinsic values, universal moral standards.
References
- Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews. “Aristotle and Natural Law”.
- Constitutional Rights Foundation. “St. Thomas Aquinas, Natural Law, and the Common Good”.
- Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal / Gandhi Book Centre. “Seven Deadly Sins As Per Mahatma Gandhi”.
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University. “Letter from Birmingham Jail: Analysis 2”, Page 4.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “School of Salamanca”.
- Pomona College. “Locke on Rights and Property”.
- Foundation for Economic Education. “Natural Liberty”.
- Britannica. “Invisible Hand”.
