Is Natural Law Only Western? Comparative Perspectives

Natural law as a named theory grew mainly in Greek, Roman and Christian Europe, but similar questions appear in other traditions. The Chinese philosopher Mencius (c. 372–289 BCE) argued that human nature contains 'sprouts' of compassion, shame, respect and moral judgment, which good government should cultivate. In Islamic theology, the Mu'tazili school held that human reason can recognize some acts as good or bad, while the Ash'ari school held that moral value is known through divine command; both sides were debating questions close to natural law.

Many African and Indigenous traditions describe moral order as part of a wider balance between people, ancestors and the natural world. Scholars disagree about how far these should be called 'natural law', since each has its own concepts and purposes. Comparing them helps avoid two errors: assuming only Europe asked these questions, and assuming every tradition gave the same answers.