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Natural Law

You believe moral truths are built into the nature of reality and can be discovered through reason and observation of the natural order.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Natural Law as a political ideology is rooted in the philosophical belief that there are universal moral principles inherent in human nature and the natural order of the world. These principles are considered to be discoverable through human reason and are thought to exist independently of man-made laws or social conventions. The concept of Natural Law dates back to ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, with thinkers like Aristotle and Cicero arguing that certain rights and moral truths are intrinsic to human beings and can be discerned through rational reflection.

    During the Middle Ages, Christian theologians such as Thomas Aquinas further developed the idea, integrating it with religious doctrine by asserting that Natural Law was part of God's design for humanity. In the early modern period, philosophers like John Locke and Hugo Grotius used Natural Law theory to justify the existence of fundamental rights, such as life, liberty, and property, which governments are obliged to respect. This line of thought heavily influenced the development of constitutional democracies and the articulation of human rights in documents like the United States Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    As a political ideology, Natural Law emphasizes that legitimate laws and political systems must be grounded in these universal moral principles, rather than merely reflecting the will of rulers or the majority. It often serves as a basis for critiquing unjust laws and advocating for reforms that align positive law with higher moral standards. While interpretations of what constitutes Natural Law can vary, its central tenet remains the belief in an objective moral order that transcends cultural and historical differences, providing a foundation for justice and human dignity in political life.

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Natural Law.

No Government

You believe individuals and communities can organize themselves voluntarily without any coercive state authority.

Ethical Artificial IntelligenceLGBT Adoption RightsCorporate SubsidiesCRISPR TechnologyDrug Policy

Objectivist

You believe rational pursuit of your own values and productivity is the moral foundation of a free and prosperous society.

LGBT Adoption RightsEthical Artificial IntelligenceDrug PolicyCRISPR TechnologyShrinkflation

Minimal Government

You believe government should exist only to protect individual rights through courts, police, and national defense — nothing more.

LGBT Adoption RightsDrug PolicyEthical Artificial IntelligenceCRISPR TechnologyShrinkflation

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

LGBT Adoption RightsMinimum WageUkrainian Defense FundingMandatory VaccinationsCorporate Subsidies

Anarcho-Communism

A society where all property is communally owned, decisions are made collectively, and no government or hierarchical structures exist.

LGBT Adoption RightsWomen in CombatCorporate SubsidiesUkrainian Defense FundingMandatory Vaccinations

Voluntaryism

A society based on voluntary interactions and free from coercion will lead to a more prosperous, peaceful, and just world.

Drug PolicyLGBT Adoption RightsSingle-Payer HealthcareMandatory VaccinationsMinimum Wage

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

Minimal government intervention in the economy leads to increased individual freedom, innovation, and overall prosperity.

Minimum WageDrug PolicySingle-Payer HealthcareFlag BurningMarijuana

Voluntarism

A society based on voluntary interactions and cooperation leads to a more prosperous and harmonious community.

LGBT Adoption RightsDrug PolicyMinimum WageMarijuanaSingle-Payer Healthcare

How similar are your political beliefs to Natural Law issues? Take the political quiz to find out.