A Critique of Natural Law

A Critique of Natural Law

Essay #2

Barbara Palombo

256 Pinevalley Crescent

Woodbridge, Ontario

L4L 2W5

Email: palombo5152@rogers.com

Student #: 923621220

Phil 1002 6.0 Q

Class ID: 1227265

Team Instructor: Carol Bigwood

Natural Law is a concept that has caused ambiguity throughout the history of Western thought. There is a multitude of incompatible ideas of natural law that have caused even those who are in basic agreement on natural law theory to have opposing notions on the particulars. In spite of this confusion, there have been enough advocates among natural law thinking in Western society to make it possible to identify its major criticisms:

1. Natural law is immutable and is rooted in nature. This defines for man what is right, just, and good, and which ought to govern its actions. (Einwechter, 1999, p.1)

2. The universe is governed by reason, or rational principle which provides a basis for determining justice of man made laws. (Einwechter, p.1)

3. Natural law is the same for