- "Natural law (Latin: ius naturale, lex naturalis) is a system of law based on a close observation of human nature, and based on values intrinsic to human nature that can be deduced and applied independently of positive law."
The belief that there are certain moral laws that are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason.
Definition & Nature of Natural Law: The study of Natural Law begins with the basic definition and understanding of what Natural Law is and how it functions as a guiding principle in human action.
Natural Law Theories: Natural law theories refer to the various philosophical approaches that attempt to explain and justify the concept of Natural Law. Some of the significant theories of Natural Law include Aristotelian, Thomist, Lockean, and Kantian.
Historical development of Natural Law: A study of the evolution and historical development of natural law from ancient Greeks to contemporary times.
Relationship between Natural Law and Positive Law: A significant debate in the philosophy of law is the relationship between Natural and Positive Law. Are they complementary, conflicting or self-contained?.
Types of Law: A discussion of different types of laws, such as moral law, divine law, positive law, and natural law.
The role of reason in Natural Law: The centrality of reason in Natural Law plays a crucial role in the understanding and application of Natural Law.
Human nature and Natural Law: Human nature is the foundation of Natural Law theories because human beings are rational, social animals with inherent moral virtues that find expression in Natural Law.
Natural Law and moral reasoning: Natural Law is central to moral reasoning and ethical conduct. It provides frameworks for decision-making and guides human action in a moral direction.
Natural Law and Natural Rights: Natural Law is commonly linked with Natural Rights, which state that individuals have inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by governments or society.
Natural Law and Justice: A study of Natural Law's role in the administration of justice, including the concept of natural justice, its role in legal disputes, and the broader societal implications for justice.
Criticism of Natural Law: Although Natural Law is a fundamental concept in the philosophy of law, it is not without its detractors. This topic addresses criticisms leveled against Natural Law.
Application of Natural Law in contemporary times: A discussion on the role and application of Natural Law in modern-day legal systems and global affairs.
Natural Law and Religion: Natural Law finds expression in traditional religious belief systems, and their relationship is a fascinating area of study.
Natural Law and Civic Communication: Natural Law is instrumental in understanding civic communication, freedom of expression, and governance structures.
Regulation: Legal and Ethical Aspects: A discussion of legal and ethical regulation in societies, with reference to Natural Law's influence, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Classical Natural Law: According to this theory, natural law is inherent in nature itself and can be discovered through reason. It is based on the belief that certain things are inherently good or bad, and that humans have an obligation to follow these natural laws.
Divine Natural Law: This theory holds that natural law is given to humans by God and can be discovered through religious texts and teachings. It is grounded in the belief that God has created a moral order that humans are required to follow.
Platonic Natural Law: This theory is based on the philosophy of Plato, who believed that natural law is a universal set of principles that exist in the realm of ideas. These principles are discovered through reason and are not dependent on physical reality.
Aristotelian Natural Law: This theory is based on the philosophy of Aristotle, who believed that natural law is a set of principles that are inherent in human nature. These principles are discovered through observation and reason and are the foundation of human morality.
Stoic Natural Law: This theory is based on the philosophy of the Stoics, who believed that natural law is the same as divine law and is inherent in the universe. It is the duty of humans to live in accordance with this law, which is discovered through reason and personal experience.
Thomistic Natural Law: This theory is based on the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, who believed that natural law is a set of principles that are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason. It is grounded in the belief that God has created a moral order that humans are required to follow, but also includes a recognition of the role of reason in discerning this order.
Modern Natural Law: This theory is based on the idea that natural law can be discovered through reason and is not dependent on divine revelation. It emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and self-determination, and is often associated with human rights and social justice movements.
- "Natural law theory can also refer to 'theories of ethics, theories of politics, theories of civil law, and theories of religious morality.'"
- "In Western tradition, it was anticipated by the pre-Socratics, for example in their search for principles that governed the cosmos and human beings."
- "The concept of natural law was documented in ancient Greek philosophy, including Aristotle, and was referred to in ancient Roman philosophy by Cicero."
- "References to it are also to be found in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible."
- "The School of Salamanca made notable contributions during the Renaissance."
- "Aquinas argues that because human beings have reason, and because reason is a spark of the divine, all human lives are sacred and of infinite value compared to any other created object, meaning all humans are fundamentally equal and bestowed with an intrinsic basic set of rights that no human can remove."
- "Modern natural law theories took shape in the Age of Enlightenment."
- "Combining inspiration from Roman law, Christian scholastic philosophy, and contemporary concepts such as social contract theory."
- "It was used in challenging the theory of the divine right of kings, and became an alternative justification for the establishment of a social contract, positive law, and government."
- "In the early decades of the 21st century, the concept of natural law is closely related to the concept of natural rights."
- "Indeed, many philosophers, jurists, and scholars use natural law synonymously with natural rights (Latin: ius naturale), or natural justice."
- "Because of the intersection between natural law and natural rights, natural law has been claimed or attributed as a key component in the Act of Abjuration (1581) of the Netherlands, the Declaration of Independence (1776) of the United States, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) of France."
- "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) of the United Nations, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights (1953) of the Council of Europe."
- "Based on values intrinsic to human nature that can be deduced and applied independently of positive law."
- "All people have inherent rights, conferred not by act of legislation but by 'God, nature, or reason.'"
- "All humans are fundamentally equal and bestowed with an intrinsic basic set of rights that no human can remove."
- "The School of Salamanca made notable contributions during the Renaissance."
- "Natural law theory can also refer to 'theories of ethics, theories of politics, theories of civil law, and theories of religious morality.'"
- "All human lives are sacred and of infinite value compared to any other created object."