Natural Order

Definition

Natural order refers to the idea that there is a universal structure or system in nature that dictates the way things should be, often influencing moral and political beliefs. This concept suggests that human society should align with the inherent laws of nature, guiding political thinkers to advocate for forms of governance that reflect these natural principles. Early Greek political thinkers often used this idea to justify various political systems and social hierarchies, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural order is rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of thinkers like Heraclitus and Plato, who suggested that understanding nature was key to understanding society.
2. This concept often provided a justification for certain social hierarchies, such as the belief that some individuals were naturally suited to rule while others were meant to be subjects.
3. Aristotle emphasized the importance of natural order in his political theory, arguing that the best government is one that reflects natural hierarchies and promotes virtue.
4. The tension between natural order and human-made laws (nomos) sparked debates among early Greek thinkers about justice, governance, and moral responsibility.
5. The idea of natural order influenced later philosophical movements, including Stoicism, which emphasized living in accordance with nature's rational structure.

Review Questions

• How did early Greek political thinkers use the concept of natural order to justify social hierarchies?
  • Early Greek political thinkers believed that natural order reflected a universal system governing both nature and human society. This idea allowed them to argue that certain individuals were naturally suited for leadership while others were destined to follow. By aligning political power with what they perceived as inherent characteristics in people, they justified social hierarchies and forms of governance that maintained this structure.
• Analyze the difference between physis and nomos in relation to the concept of natural order and its implications for governance.
  • Physis refers to the natural characteristics and inherent laws of nature, while nomos denotes man-made laws and conventions. The distinction between these concepts highlights a critical tension: should society's governance align with the natural order (physis) or adhere to constructed rules (nomos)? This debate shaped early political theories, leading thinkers to either advocate for governments reflecting natural hierarchies or question whether human laws could justly represent human nature.
• Evaluate how the concept of natural order impacted later philosophical developments and ideas about justice in Western thought.
  • The concept of natural order laid the groundwork for later philosophical movements such as Stoicism and Enlightenment thinking. Philosophers like Cicero and Hobbes reflected on these ideas, arguing that true justice must align with nature's rational structure. This evaluation led to ongoing discussions about morality, rights, and governance, influencing modern concepts of justice by suggesting that ethical principles should be grounded in an understanding of human nature and its relation to the cosmos.

Related terms

Cosmos: The universe seen as a well-ordered whole, often contrasted with chaos, where every part has its place within the natural order.

Physis: A Greek term meaning 'nature' that refers to the essential characteristics of something and how it exists within the natural order.

Nomos: The concept of law or convention in Greek thought, which contrasts with physis, indicating man-made rules that may or may not align with the natural order.