Hello
classmates keeping with the theme of my midterm report secular law and given
our discussions of Locke and Jefferson along with the subject of American democracy
it seems fitting to introduce the concept and implications of natural law. You will
find my sources listed above if you wish to explore the subject further and
find similar works. To being let’s look at the basis or groundwork which
natural law is founded upon. Considered the oldest form of law dating back to
the works of philosophers such as Heraclitus, Aristotle, and Sophocles natural
law has been the corner stone for a variety of disciplines from philosophy and
religion to science and politics natural law has been a lasting principle in
many human endeavors. Natural law is based on two premises; 1) a universal
order that governs people. 2) the belief that there exist certain rights that
are undeniable to any/all persons. Just based on those two principles you can
the wide range of appeal for this system as it seems to be a common ground for
what have historically been adversarial positions. For example, religious
groups dating back to Christianity during the Roman Empire have found comfort
in the idea of a universal order that governs human affairs. This premise has
been the foundation for the most basic element of all religions that being a
governing god(s) as the highest authority. To the contrary, the often-seen opponent
of religion, science also finds the belief of a governing order attractive
which is evident in many scientific ideas including that of Einstein’s ether,
now known as dark matter, the unseen force that keeps the cosmos balanced. The most
notable and familiar implication of natural law can be found in the works of
John Locke and in practical use throughout the Declaration of Independence and
the United States Constitution which center around the premise of certain
rights that can’t be denied by any individual. As good as these beliefs seem
they have been used to justify heinous acts throughout human history. Many crimes,
wars, and other human atrocities have been committed in the name of a universal
god for example the Crusades. On the other side of coin while it is true
certain rights are given to people at birth the idea that they apply to all
individuals equally hasn’t always been the case just look at slavery, the Holocaust
that show we don’t treat each other with the same equality and respect.
The really interesting twist on traditional natural law theory that we read about was to treat its source as immanent, not transcendent. Maybe you could say a bit about that? And look for something "bloggish" and visual to include?
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