We may Brave Human Laws But cannot Resist Natural Laws

• 26 Jul 2024

In law a Man is Guilty when He Violates the Rights of Others. In Ethics He is Guilty if He Only Thinks of Doing So.

—Immanuel Kant

The distinction between human laws and natural laws is both profound and enlightening. Human laws, crafted by societies, govern behavior, organization, and justice within human communities. These laws are mutable, subject to change, and often reflect the prevailing moral and ethical standards of the time. On the other hand, natural laws are immutable principles governing the natural world, dictated by physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences. While humans can challenge, alter, and occasionally defy their own laws, natural laws remain inviolable and absolute. 

Human laws are social constructs designed to maintain order, protect rights, and promote justice within a community. These laws vary significantly across different cultures and eras, shaped by historical contexts, religious beliefs, and societal values. For instance, laws concerning marriage, property, and personal conduct have evolved dramatically over centuries. The legal systems of ancient Rome, medieval Europe, and modern democratic societies each reflect their unique cultural contexts and priorities.

Human laws can change through reforms and revolutions. They evolve through legislative amendments, court decisions, and societal shifts. India recently witnessed a significant overhaul of its criminal justice system. Three new laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replaced colonial-era legislations. These changes aim to modernize the justice system and address various aspects. Criminal case judgments must now be delivered within 45 days after the trial ends, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. A new chapter in the law specifically addresses crimes against women and children. Buying or selling a child is classified as a heinous crime, punishable by severe penalties. Gangrape of a minor can result in a death sentence or life imprisonment. Victims of crimes against women are entitled to receive regular updates on their cases within 90 days, and hospitals must provide free first-aid or medical treatment to them. Incidents can now be reported via electronic communication, eliminating the need to visit a police station. The introduction of Zero FIR allows individuals to file a First Information Report at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction. India’s legal landscape has been shaped by landmark cases. The Nanavati case led to the abolition of the jury system.

The Nirbhaya case spurred the enactment of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 addressing crimes against minors. 

In stark contrast, natural laws are the fundamental principles governing the physical universe. These laws, discovered through scientific inquiry, describe the behavior of matter and energy, the principles of motion, the forces of gravity, the conservation of energy, and much more. Unlike human laws, natural laws are not subject to human will or societal changes, they remain constant regardless of time, place, or culture.

Natural laws dictate the limits of human capabilities and the boundaries within which life and matter operate. For example, the law of gravity governs the motion of planets, the flight of birds, and the fall of apples. The principles of thermodynamics dictate energy transfer and transformation in all physical and biological processes. These laws are not subject to negotiation or alteration, they are inherent properties of the universe.

While human laws govern societal conduct, they often intersect with natural laws, particularly in areas such as technology, medicine, and environmental policy. Understanding and respecting natural laws is crucial in these fields to avoid adverse outcomes and promote sustainable progress.

Human activities continue to release excessive greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. The consequences of rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice caps underscore the importance of respecting the Earth’s delicate balance. The Kyoto Protocol and subsequent agreements aim to curb emissions, but challenges persist in achieving sustainable practices. Clearing forests for agriculture, urbanization, or logging disrupts ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity affects not only plant and animal species but also human well-being. Efforts like reforestation and conservation are crucial to maintaining ecological balance.

Ignoring fishing quotas and unsustainable practices deplete fish populations and harm marine ecosystems. The collapse of fisheries can disrupt food chains and livelihoods. Disregarding engineering principles can lead to catastrophic failures. Space missions generate debris that orbits Earth. Ignoring responsible space practices could lead to collisions, endangering satellites and future missions. Initiatives like the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines aim to minimize this risk.

Medical science operates at the intersection of human and natural laws. The principles of biology and chemistry underpin our understanding of health and disease. Medical interventions, from pharmaceuticals to surgical procedures, must align with these principles to be effective. The discovery of antibiotics, vaccines, and genetic therapies demonstrates the successful application of natural laws to improve human health.

Indian doctors have developed a technique that has become the global standard for treating basilar invagination, a condition where the second cervical vertebra migrates upward, potentially compressing the brain stem. Advancements in healthcare and regenerative medicine led to breakthroughs in the development of a system for quick bug identification, aiding in disease diagnosis and treatment. Researchers in India have explored innovative methods to change eye color permanently, which could have implications for both aesthetics and medical conditions.

Environmental policy is another domain where human and natural laws intersect. Ecosystems operate according to ecological principles that dictate the balance of species, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. Human activities that disregard these principles, such as deforestation, pollution, and overfishing disrupt ecological balance and lead to environmental degradation. Sustainable development requires policies that respect and work within the bounds of natural laws.

Human history is replete with examples of the dire consequences of ignoring natural laws. Environmental disasters, technological failures, and medical setbacks often result from a lack of understanding or respect for these fundamental principles. Natural disasters serve as powerful reminders of the need to respect ecological balance and adopt sustainable practices. Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. The heavy southwest monsoon rains cause rivers like the Brahmaputra to overflow, often flooding surrounding areas. While they provide rice paddy farmers with natural irrigation and fertilization, floods can also kill thousands and displace millions of people. Almost all of India is flood-prone, and extreme precipitation events have become increasingly common, coinciding with rising temperatures. Tropical cyclones are particularly common in the northern reaches of the Indian Ocean, especially around the Bay of Bengal. Cyclones bring heavy rains, storm surges, and strong winds that can cut affected areas off from relief and supplies. Landslides are common in the Lower Himalayas due to the young age of the region’s hills, making rock formations susceptible to slippages. Deforestation from logging and tourism exacerbates the severity of landslides. Avalanches also occur in regions like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

Understanding the distinction between human and natural laws also carries an ethical dimension. Humans have a duty to respect and preserve the natural world. This moral obligation is highlighted in environmental ethics, which emphasize the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Environmental ethics emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature and the moral obligation to protect it. This ethical framework argues that human actions should not disrupt ecological balance or degrade natural habitats. The concept of "sustainable development" embodies this principle, advocating for economic progress that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Bioethics deals with the ethical implications of biological and medical research and practices. It emphasizes the importance of respecting natural processes and the dignity of all living beings. Issues such as genetic engineering, cloning, and euthanasia raise profound ethical questions about the manipulation of natural laws and the boundaries of human intervention.

Technological ethics examines the moral dimensions of technological innovation and its impact on society and the environment. It advocates for the responsible use of technology, ensuring that advancements align with ethical principles and do not cause harm. The development of artificial intelligence, for example, raises questions about the ethical use of autonomous systems and their alignment with human values and natural laws.

The distinction between human and natural laws underscores a fundamental aspect of the human condition: our ability to shape our societies through laws and regulations, while simultaneously being bound by the immutable laws of nature. 

Human laws reflect our collective aspirations for justice, order, and progress, but they are inherently fallible and subject to change. Natural laws, in contrast, are unchanging principles that dictate the behavior of the physical world. Our ability to navigate this relationship by aligning human laws with natural laws and respecting the boundaries set by nature is essential for the well-being of our societies and the planet. This understanding calls for a balanced approach that harmonizes human ingenuity with the wisdom of nature, ensuring a sustainable and ethical future for all.

Law and Order are The Medicine of the Body Politic and when The Body Politic Gets Sick, Medicine must be Administered.

—B.R. Ambedkar