Final answer:
The statement regarding Hugo Grotius and the principle of rationality in Natural Law is true. Grotius, along with other philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas and John Locke, viewed natural law as discernible through human reason, and laid the foundation for the principles by which societies should govern.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question: To Hugo Grotius, the highest principle of Natural Law is to be rational. This statement is True. Hugo Grotius, a key figure in the philosophy of law, believed that the most fundamental principle of natural law was indeed rationality. Grotius emphasized that humans have the capability to discern natural laws through reason, which aligns with similar thoughts presented by other prominent philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas. This concept of law being embedded in nature and discoverable by human reason is central to classical natural law theory. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke also wrote extensively on the subject of natural law and rights. Hobbes believed that in a 'state of nature' humans had the right to use their own power to preserve their lives, differentiating between natural 'liberties' and 'laws'. On the other hand, Locke's philosophy, which influenced the Declaration of Independence, suggested that proper government was founded on the protection and improvement of the lives of the people, which Jefferson echoed, utilizing Locke's theories as justification for the American revolution. Moreover, the medieval philosopher Thomas Aquinas contributed to classical natural law theory by categorizing laws into four types: eternal, natural, human, and divine. He asserted that while divine laws could not be comprehended solely through human reason, natural laws could be, and human laws should be consistent with natural law.