Single Idea 6216

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / c. Natural law]

Full Idea

Natural law is certain propositions of immutable truth, which guide voluntary actions about the choice of good and avoidance of evil, and which impose an obligation to act, even without regard to civil laws, and ignoring compacts of governments.

Clarification

'Immutable' means can't be changed

Gist of Idea

Natural law is immutable truth giving moral truths and duties independent of society

Source

Richard Cumberland (De Legibus Naturae [1672], Ch.I.I)

Book Reference

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.79


A Reaction

Not a popular view, but I am sympathetic. If you are in a foreign country and find a person lying in pain, there is a terrible moral deficiency in anyone who just ignores such a thing. No legislation can take away a person's right of self-defence.