What is Natural Law?

Natural law describes universal moral and ethical principles that arise from human nature and the nature of our world. The concept of natural law was already discussed in this context by Aristotle and Aquinas. This concept, which concerns the mechanisms of our reality, is also referred to as the law of morality, cosmic law, universal law, divine order or spiritual law. It is likewise associated with the law of cause and effect, the Golden Rule, karma and many other terms.

Natural law essentially describes the behavioural mechanisms governing human coexistence in this world. It is an umbrella term for the purely objective and universal laws that encompass human action in all its consequences. Natural law governs the collective coexistence of all people on this earth and describes the inevitable consequences of each individual’s behaviour.

General Meaning

The term Natural Law combines the words nature and law.

Natural in the sense of: inherent in and rooted in reality and nature, and not man-made.

Law in the sense of: an existing state of affairs that is binding and immutable. A consequence from which one cannot escape and which cannot be altered by anything or anyone.

Therefore, natural law describes the immutable and binding realities of our existence that exist independently of the artificial laws and norms created by humans. Natural law describes the consequences of our thoughts and actions depending on whether our chosen behavior is moral or immoral. Although we have the freedom to determine our behavior, we are not exempt from the moral consequences of our decisions. Natural law is a set of laws operating in the invisible, nonphysical realm. Therefore, they can be regarded as occult or hidden laws of nature. Like the mechanisms we refer to in natural science as gravity or electromagnetism, these laws form part of the structure of our reality.

Knowledge Through Reason

Human beings can recognize natural law through their capacity for reason and reflection on the natural world and human nature. They have innate rights that are independent of social norms and political laws. A right is an action that does not harm other sentient beings. Any other action constitutes misconduct and violates natural law. Examples of misconduct include murder, robbery, rape, theft, trespassing, coercion, and lying with intent to deceive. All of these examples can be summarized as a form of theft. Murder is the theft of life. Robbery is the theft of another’s property. Rape is the theft of physical integrity. Trespassing is the theft of an individual’s security in their living space. Coercion is the theft of free will through violence or compulsion. Deliberate lying is the theft of essential information that negatively influences the victim’s decision-making. Applying this understanding to human behavior allows one to distinguish between moral and immoral conduct.

The Principle of Non-Violence

The principle of non-violence is one of the fundamental principles of natural law. It asserts that using violence or aggression against others is morally wrong. Human beings are naturally inclined toward prosperity, community, and avoiding suffering. The use of violence goes against these natural inclinations and human morality.

However, people always have the right to self-defense to protect themselves from aggression and violence. Self-defense is not, and should never be regarded as, violence; it is an innate right of all sentient beings.

Universal Validity

All human beings have the same natural and inalienable rights. There are no exceptions. No one has the right to intentionally harm another person. Consequently, no one can transfer this nonexistent “right” to another person or group to transform wrongdoing into a “right.” This is what is meant by “equality before natural law.”

Natural law is based on an understanding of true, objective morality. It states that the difference between right and wrong behavior can be viewed purely objectively. Therefore, it is not based on people’s subjective perceptions and opinions. Natural law applies to all human beings, regardless of culture, time, or place. It is not dependent on human laws or social norms. Behavior that is moral in one place at one time is moral everywhere and at all times. Conversely, behavior that is immoral in one place at one time is immoral in all places and at all times. Whether one believes in these laws or not is irrelevant. They describe the architecture of our reality and are inescapable.

Conclusion

Natural law describes the consequences of our behavior as a society. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between moral and immoral behavior. This knowledge is crucial for those who wish to live together in freedom and peace.

The study of these dynamics in human society is a science of cause and effect. All living beings are born with the right to self-determination and possess the natural right to exercise their own will, living in sovereignty, free from violence, and free from coercion. These principles and rights of human freedom form the basis of morality and are governed by spiritual laws of cause and effect. Any violation of these principles is a wrongful act that contradicts the productive, self-regulating dynamics of natural law.

These laws cannot be circumvented, altered, or bent to suit the whims or desires of human beings, even though some may try. Respecting natural law and the sovereignty of other beings is in harmony with spiritual law. Such a decision creates the conditions necessary for peace to manifest in the world.

Acting in a way that directly violates these laws will only lead to chaos and suffering. Human behavior as a whole shapes our physical reality. We can either act through voluntary choices in harmony with natural law, creating a state of freedom, or act in opposition to natural law, creating a state of slavery and chaos.

These are the universal moral and spiritual laws that govern all human beings.

Series of articles: Natural Law

1. What is natural law?

2. Natural law versus man-made laws

3. The dynamics of natural law