Natural Law - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Natural Law is a philosophical and ethical theory which suggests that there are universal moral principles inherent in nature and human reasoning that govern human conduct. Rooted in the ideas of ancient philosophers like Aristotle and developed further by thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas, Natural Law proposes that these principles are embedded in the world and can be discovered through reason, allowing people to distinguish right from wrong. In the context of GCSE Religious Studies, Natural Law is often discussed in relation to its influence on Christian moral thinking, as it suggests that humans should live according to these natural principles to achieve a good and fulfilling life. It emphasises that moral rules are not human inventions but are derived from the natural order of the world, intended to promote human flourishing.