Natural Right
Natural right is a fundamental guiding principle that stems from the belief that all laws, customs, and societies should be in compliance with the laws of nature. In its simplest form, natural right is the idea that “just because something is legal, or customarily accepted, does not mean it should be”. It is derived from a combination of several philosophies, including moral philosophy, ethical theory, and the natural law. Natural right is often interpreted in terms of the “natural order”, or the set of principles by which nature naturally operates.
The earliest expressions of natural right can be traced back to some of the Greeks, such as Plato and Aristotle. Plato was a philosopher who believed in a perfect world made up of ideal forms. He taught that all things in our visible, physical world were but poor copies of those ideals. The highest goal of man, according to Plato, was to try and ascend to the realm of forms and aim to live according to the will of their purest forms. The chief aspect of natural right that stems from Platos philosophy was the idea that “just because something is legal, or customarily accepted, does not mean it should be”. Aristotle, one of Platos students, was a philosopher who focused on practical matters and believed that we should learn from experience and understand the reality of nature and the natural order of things. Based on these philosophies, his arguments for natural right state that it is the responsibility of each individual to do the right thing and to act honorably.
In the eyes of modern philosophers, the theory of natural right is seen as an individuals “right to pursue their highest self”, even if it means breaking away from the accepted standards of their culture or society. This can mean pursuing a course of action that is not legal, or considered acceptable by a community. It is believed that individuals should have the right to act in a way according to their own beliefs of morality, even if it goes against traditional beliefs or societal norms. Philosophers such as John Locke and Immanuel Kant held this ideology and argued that individuals should not be limited by the laws of any government or nation.
Natural right is a fundamental right that is derived from the philosophical beliefs of a diverse range of thinkers. By adhering to its principles, individuals are free to pursue a vision of a world that honors their own conscience and respects the natural laws of nature. Natural right gives people the freedom to choose how they want to live their life and can be used to promote equality and justice in our societies. Ultimately, natural right is a powerful tool for striving for a better world and can serve as a beacon of hope for those who remain committed to achieving it.