Journeyman Philosopher

During my studies I was introduced to a very simplistic argument that was attempted by individuals trying to maintain a certain concept of universal moral theory.

Although a seemingly simplistic justification method it in a sense seems sensible. The belief simply states ‘What is moral is what is natural’.

I think this concept appeals to people because of its use of the term natural. The word is heavily loaded with positive connotations. But we must remember the black death as well was just a part of nature so this connotation if used as an overlaying principle is simply nonsense.

I felt it would be useful to explain the fallacy of the argument at this point in order to assist those that get ‘wrapped’ up in its connotation’s heavy guise.

Okay let’s start, Ill break the steps down of the arguments fallacy in point step form for ease of explanation.

P1- In order to determine what is morally right we must look at beings in nature.

P2- As human beings are beings in nature we can look at what they do to determine what is morally right.

P3- Human beings do everything and anything naturally.

C- Therefore anything and everything a human being does is moral.

This is obviously nonsense, it is simply an enabling principle (which in itself may not be a bad thing). But what is a bad thing in when individuals use this justification in a short sited limited manner. To say things such as ‘it is immoral to be homosexual as its unnatural’ and ‘it is immoral for different races to breed with eachother as its unnatural’.

Truly this is nonsensical. In actuality when heterosexual people say things such as ‘its not natural to be homosexual’ what they really mean, or rather what is the most they can fairly mean, is that it is unnatural for ‘me’. In actuality it is the equivalent of a homosexual saying ‘ its not natural to be heterosexual’ and as such has just as much merit.

For an example of this justification being used incorrectly you can visit this site which has a good example of the view being used offhandedly to violate individuals rights.