Reading Assignment for Section 2.1
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2.1: The Natural Law
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll explore the origins and development of Natural Law, from its ancient roots to its role in modern legal and moral philosophy. You’ll examine the contributions of key philosophers and how their interpretations shape contemporary debates on law and ethics. By the end, you’ll be able to critically assess Natural Law’s core principles, its criticisms, and its relevance in discussions on justice, human rights, and moral reasoning.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2.1
- SLO 1: Describe the origins and evolution of Natural Law, tracing its development from ancient civilizations through to its influence in modern legal and moral philosophy.
- SLO 2: Analyze the contributions of key philosophers to the concept of Natural Law, including their differing interpretations and the implications of these ideas on contemporary legal systems and ethical debates.
- SLO 3: Evaluate the core principles of Natural Law, including the belief in an objective moral order and universal rights inherent in human nature and their application in the formulation of laws and moral judgments.
- SLO 4: Critically assess the criticisms and challenges to Natural Law, considering the impact of moral relativism, ambiguity, and the integration of religious doctrine on the evolution of Natural Law theory.
- SLO 5: Apply the principles of Natural Law to contemporary legal and ethical issues, demonstrating its relevance in discussions on human rights, justice, and the moral foundations of laws.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2025
[Contents]
This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
You are welcome to print a copy of pages from this Open Educational Resource (OER) book for your personal use. Please note that mass distribution, commercial use, or the creation of altered versions of the content for distribution are strictly prohibited. This permission is intended to support your individual learning needs while maintaining the integrity of the material.
