NATURAL+LAW+&+NATURAL+RIGHTS

=NATURAL LAW & NATURAL RIGHTS=

Basic Principles of the Theory -
Natural law and natural rights are founded on the underlying basis of morality. This theory illustrates the idea that all human beings have a right to a life of fair treatment and a chance to function well in their environment. This theory does not discriminate by gender, race, religion, or ethnicity. Natural law demands the basic right of human beings to be treated with fairness. The theory of natural law tells us that this should be universally accepted.

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Natural law explains to us how we ought to treat one another and expect to be treated in return. This law suggests that, at our most primitive core, it should be our instinct and ought to be expected that we treat one another with respect and dignity. This treatment is necessary in order to create a stable, conscientious, and protective environment for one another. This includes being watchful and defensive of one another's natural rights. Natural rights are the essentials humans need in order to live a fulfilling life. The underlying theme still directs us to morality and the prerogative of humans to live a life of equal rights.====== The challenge of this theory is to determine what exactly is fair and just. This theory raises the question: is the treatment one person feels is natural law, true for all human kind? There are many conflicts throughout history that argue over natural law theory and what constitutes natural rights that are conducive for everyone.

Specifics of the Ethical Approach -
The concept of natural law has taken several forms. Natural Law should not be confused with laws of nature. Laws of nature are descriptive generalizations of natural science as to how scientist and theorist believe how nature behaves. Natural Law also referred to as moral law tells us how we ought to behave. All humans are governed by a set of basic innate laws which are separate and distinct from laws which are legislated. This idea began with the ancient Greeks' conception of what is just by nature or just by convention. Stoicism provided the most complete classical formulation of natural law arguing that the universe is governed by reason. All humans have reason within them and can therefore know and obey its law. However because humans have a free will, they will not necessarily obey the law. If they act in accordance with reason, they will be following nature instead of human emotion.

Natural law theory eventually gave rise to the concept of natural rights. Natural Rights are essential if we are to function well as persons. The moral standards that govern human behavior are, in some sense, objectively derived from the nature of human beings and the nature of the world. John Locke argued that human beings are free and equal, yet insecure in their freedom. When they enter society they surrender rights as necessary for their security and for the common good. They are thus moral rights first although they may need to be reinforced by the law. Each individual preserves basic privileges drawn from natural law relating to the integrity of a person and property. Thomas Jefferson used the natural law theory to justify his trinity of inalienable rights which were stated in the United States Declaration of Independence.

Historical Background -
Who have been the major proponents? From where did the theory arise? Natural law ethics have been around for a very long time. In the writings of the first and second century A.D. **Stoics** there are variations of natural rights. There are discussions of natural rights throughout the eighteenth century among political philosophers such as **Voltaire** who wrote that morality had a universal source. **Aristotle** is the first writer to develop an ethical philosophy around these views and beliefs. Aristotle states that "the good is that which all things aim." Which means that we are supposed to look at the purpose or end goal of an activity or being to see what is good. (i.e. the goal of a guitar player is to play well). Aristotle explained that according to Natural Law human beings have natural human characteristics and abilities that they share as humans. For these humans to flourish they should perfect these said capacities. The ultimate good in Aristotle's eyes is happiness, blessedness or prosperity.
 * Thomas Aquinas**, a Dominican friar, was one of the most well know interpreters of Aristotle's philosophy. He believed that natural law was part of the divine law or plan for the universe. His work can be found in the [|Summa Theologica].
 * John Lock****e**, an english philosopher, wrote that all humans were the same species, born with the same basic capacities in his //Second Treatise on Government.// Since humans were the same then they all deserved to be treated equally.
 * Thomas Hobbes**, philosopher, believed that to be a member of society people give up their natural rights for the sake of protection.

Two Examples -
These should illustrate the theory for an "average" reader.
 * 1) An example of natural rights is written within the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson, in 1776, wrote "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." We as human beings and in this case as Americans have certain natural born rights.
 * 2) Another example of natural law and natural rights is the right for all humans to eat. If a person is eating a piece of bread and the person sitting next to them is starving, natural law would suggest that he share his bread with him. Although the person may not want to share, it would be the "right" thing to do in order to fulfill the natural law and natural rights that everbody should eat. Of course, this example can also show you the complexities of this theory and how many people would argue over whether this is "truly" the right thing to do in order to fulfill natural law and this person's natural rights.

Mackinnon, B. (2007). //Ethics theory and contemporary issues//. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.