In other words, the fact that every person has the ability…
““In other words, the fact that every person has the ability to reason and discover natural law, and the divine rights that flow from it, does not mean that all people will do so. In addition, Locke pointed out that natural law, not man-made law, is the origin and compass of human morality. “[W]ithout natural law there would be neither virtue nor vice, neither the reward of goodness nor the punishment of evil: there is no fault, no guilt, where there is no law. Everything would have to depend on human will, and, since there would be nothing to demand dutiful action, it seems that man would not be bound to do anything but what utility or pleasure might recommend, or what a blind and lawless impulse might happen perchance to fasten on. The terms ‘upright’ and ‘virtuous’ would disappear as meaningless or be nothing at all but empty names. . . . [F]or the nature of good and evil is eternal and certain, and their value cannot be determined either by the public ordinances of men or by any private opinion.”12 Even””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason and natural law are the foundations of morality, but without them virtue and vice lose meaning, leaving humanity driven only by self‑interest.
In simple terms: Natural law underpins morality; without it, only personal gain matters.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of universal principles in ethics.
Themes
philosophy
morality
law
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theoretical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- ethical education
- policy making
Key Concepts
natural law
reason
virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- What happens when natural law conflicts with cultural norms?
- Can societies function without shared moral foundations?
A Different Perspective
Assumes universal acceptance of natural law, which is contested.