Natural Law Theory Essay - 661 Words

Natural Law Theory The natural law theory is a theory that dates back to the time of the Greeks and great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. Defined as the law which states that human are inborn with certain laws preordained into them which let them determine what is right and what is wrong.(Bainton 174) This theory was them adapted by religious philosophers to fit the Christian religion.(Berkhof 114) This, however was not exactly the same as the original. The classical thinkers were the first to define the natural law. Heraclitus, in the sixth century BC, specified one the components by saying, *for all human laws are nourished by one, the divine.* This meant that a divine power determined a logic and gave to all humans. (Microsoft†¦show more content†¦For Stoics, the wise would be those who excluded emotion and passion from their decision making process.(Bainton 21-22) The great Christian philosophers came upon this theory and realized that it was compatible to their religion. Probably the most famous of them was St. Thomas Aquinas. He stated in his Summa Theologiae that God gave man the ability to determine the difference of right from wrong by the *Eternal Law.* This law gave all beings a tendency to do what was proper or natural. He went on to say that by doing what was right, each being was in fact using divine reason. The natural law, according to Aquinas, was the participation in the Eternal Law, doing what was right.(Comptons) Marriage and the procreation of children, for example, are natural to all beings. The desire to marry and make offspring is an inborn instinct given by God. The natural law, in both Christian and secular views, state that all humans act or should act in certain ways and abide by certain rules, and that these were predestined by a divine power. The Christian thinkers, led by St. Thomas Aquinas, only added that the divine power was God and that by doing what was right, one was using divine reason. The natural law is the essence of the word natural. It just means anything normal or feels normal is right. I do agree with most of the natural law. I very much believe that God gave man the ability to reaso n right from wrong and that sometimes we just have a feel for whatShow MoreRelatedThe s Natural Law Theory1219 Words   |  5 Pages The Aquina’s Natural Law Theory has five primary precepts: Reproduction, Life (living to the supreme good), education in adult life, worshiping God, and law and order (Natural Law Theory, 2010). With this being one theory that Christians live by, I think these five precepts would be very easy to automatically disagree with some, if not all of these scientific advancements. Such as birth control and homosexuality, but with the changes in society s view, so does the natural law. The Stoics believedRead MoreExplain the Theory of Natural Law1808 Words   |  8 PagesJanuary 2001 Explain the theory of Natural law (25 marks) The theory of natural law originates from Aristotle’s idea of goodness as fitness for purpose and stoic’s concept of a universal law of reason which is in agreement with nature. What we now call human nature. This point is then furthered by Aquinas who agrees with the argument but furthers it by linking it with his Christian belief by saying following this law is equivalent to following the command of God as human nature is in us inbuiltRead MoreExplain Natural Law Theory Essay1128 Words   |  5 PagesExplain Natural Law theory In this essay, I will discuss the theories behind Natural Law, as well as the qualities it is seen to possess. I will explain Aquinas’ concepts and theory on Natural Law, discussing eudaimonia and the doctrine of the double effect. 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When discussing the nature of law, Spaak states, â€Å"that while the moral conception is what is likely favored on a smaller scale, the strictly legal conception is more appealing because it is broaderRead MoreExplain Finnis’ Natural Law Theory Essay757 Words   |  4 PagesExplain Finnis’ Natural Law Theory (30 marks) John Finnis, an Australian legal philosopher has tried to resurrect the natural law tradition in moral philosophy and law since the mid-1960s. He tries to offer a neo-Aquinian natural law philosophy which does not presuppose a divine being. By focusing attention on goods rather than a single Good, Finnis skilfully articulates what he calls a theory of moral action for our day. Or, in other words, he seeks a theory of how to live well. Finnis identifiesRead MoreLocke s Theory Of Equality And Natural Law2387 Words   |  10 PagesLocke’s theory of equality and natural law. What is equality? Equality is the state of being equal and the rights of status. 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