Lesson 68 of 84 · Natural Law
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic Squarenatural-law: Lesson 68
Natural law is a philosophy that asserts certain rights and moral values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
Natural law is a philosophy that asserts certain rights and moral values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason. This concept has influenced many revolutions and legal systems throughout history, as it emphasizes the idea that laws should align with universal moral principles rather than being merely the product of human decree. Thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Aquinas argued that these natural rights are grounded in human dignity and the pursuit of happiness, which should be protected by governments. The application of natural law can be seen in movements for civil rights and justice, where individuals claim their rights based on these fundamental principles.
Key Facts
Natural law asserts that certain rights are inherent and universal.
Philosophers like John Locke championed natural rights as essential to human dignity.
Natural law has influenced numerous revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What does natural law assert about human rights?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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