Natural right meaning

Natural right refers to inherent rights that belong to individuals by virtue of their humanity and are not dependent on government recognition or approval.


Natural right definitions

Word backwards larutan thgir
Part of speech The word "natural right" can function as a noun.
Syllabic division nat-u-ral right
Plural The plural of the word natural right is natural rights.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) a,u,i
Consonants (6) n,t,r,l,g,h

When discussing political philosophy and ethics, the concept of natural right often arises. It is a principle that asserts that individuals have certain rights that are inherent in human nature, regardless of their legal or societal context.

One of the foundational ideas of natural right is that these rights are not granted by any authority or government but are instead intrinsic to human beings. This means that individuals possess these rights simply by virtue of being human.

Origins of Natural Right

The idea of natural right has its roots in ancient philosophy, dating back to thinkers such as Aristotle and Cicero. It gained further prominence during the Enlightenment period when philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau developed and expanded upon the concept.

Key Principles

Central to the idea of natural right is the belief that individuals have fundamental rights that should be protected and upheld by society and its governing institutions. These rights are often seen as universal and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or violated under any circumstances.

Some common examples of natural rights include the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are often considered to be self-evident and do not require justification beyond the fact that they are essential to human dignity and flourishing.

Implications and Controversies

The concept of natural right has had a profound impact on the development of political theory and has influenced the design of legal systems around the world. However, there are also criticisms of the idea, with some arguing that it is too abstract and subjective to serve as a solid foundation for rights.

Despite these debates, the concept of natural right continues to be a key element in discussions about human rights, justice, and the role of government in society. It remains a powerful and enduring idea that raises important questions about the nature of rights and the obligations of individuals and institutions.


Natural right Examples

  1. Natural rights are considered inherent to every individual.
  2. The right to life is often cited as a fundamental natural right.
  3. John Locke wrote extensively about the concept of natural rights.
  4. The Declaration of Independence mentions natural rights as being self-evident.
  5. The belief in natural rights is central to many democratic societies.
  6. Freedom of speech is sometimes seen as a natural right.
  7. Some philosophers argue that natural rights come from God or nature.
  8. Humanitarian organizations work to protect natural rights around the world.
  9. The concept of natural rights has been debated for centuries.
  10. Equality before the law is often seen as a natural right.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 30/03/2024 - 04:21:57