Final answer:
The Natural Law Theory (NLT) posits that human behavior should align with natural laws discernible through reason, thus guiding moral decisions. However, its effectiveness in moral problem solving is contested, due to differing interpretations of 'nature', environmental influences, and debates about the role of divinity in establishing moral order.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Natural Law Theory (NLT) provides a normative framework for moral reasoning, suggesting that actions in accordance with natural laws are inherently moral. This theory endorses the notion that human reason can discern these natural laws and is compelled to act in conformity with them. The theory roots itself in the understanding that certain natural drives and instincts govern humans—as with all animals—including the need to eat, drink, sleep, and procreate.
However, one major difficulty with NLT is that interpretations of nature differ. Critics argue that human nature may not inherently dictate laws of behavior, as with other species, because human behavior is significantly influenced by societal factors such as education and environment. Furthermore, while traditional viewpoints highlight positive human traits for moral norms, philosophers like Hobbes emphasize selfishness in human nature. This inconsistency raises questions about whether natural instincts should guide moral judgments.
Moral theories differ in foundation, with some relying on nonhuman principles like nature and others on human constructs like society or law. Thomas Aquinas emphasized that natural laws should align with human laws and that these are discernible through reason. However, the role of a divine influence, as posited by Aquinas, and the challenge from evolutionary perspectives adds complexity to the application of NLT in moral problem solving.
Ultimately, the usefulness of NLT in moral problem solving is debatable due to these various complexities. NLT seeks to provide simple, logical principles, but its effectiveness is undercut by the variety of human interpretations of nature, the influence of environment on human behavior, and divergent views on the necessity of a divinity for establishing a moral natural order.