Which view argues that moral standards are discerned in nature through human reason?

• A. Natural Law theory
• B. Deontology
• C. Virtue Ethics
• D. Contractarianism

Answer: (A)

Morality in Natural Law theory is understood as discernible in the order of nature itself and accessible to human reason. The idea is that there are objective goods built into human nature and the natural world, and rational reflection lets us see which actions promote those goods and which undermine them. For example, considerations about preserving life, forming families, seeking knowledge, and living peacefully with others point to standards of right and wrong that flow from the natural order. Because these standards arise from nature and human nature, they can be known through reason rather than being merely invented or justified by social agreements. This distinguishes Natural Law from other approaches: deontology emphasizes duties derived from universal rational principles; Virtue Ethics concentrates on character and flourishing; Contractarianism bases morality on agreements among rational agents.