It’s Only Natural Law

The first possession of man and God is reason.

“Natural law theory eventually gave rise to a concept of “natural rights.” John Locke argued that human beings in the state of nature are free and equal, yet insecure in their freedom. When they enter society they surrender only such rights as are necessary for their security and for the common good. Each individual retains fundamental prerogatives drawn from natural law relating to the integrity of person and property (natural rights). This natural rights theory provided a philosophical basis for both the American and French revolutions. Thomas Jefferson used the natural law theory to justify his trinity of “inalienable rights” which were stated in the United States Declaration of Independence.”

clipped from www.radicalacademy.com To sum it up, then, we can say that the natural law: is not made by human beings; is based on the structure of reality itself; is the same for all human beings and at all times; is an unchanging rule or pattern which is there for human beings to discover; is the naturally knowable moral law; is a means by which human beings can rationally guide themselves to their good. It is interesting to note that virtually everyone seems to have some knowledge of natural law even before such knowledge is codified and formalized. follows on the “lived experience” of the truth; is the living contact of the intellect with reality itself; is not always given expression in concepts; may be obscure to the knower; is overlaid with elements from the affective or feeling side of man’s nature. The “good” (according to reason) must be done, and evil (what is contrary to reason) must be avoided.