According to natural law theory, from where do moral standards originate?

Natural law theory posits that moral standards are derived from the inherent nature of humans and the universe itself. This philosophical perspective suggests that there are universal moral principles accessible through human reason and observation of the natural world. Advocates of natural law argue that these moral standards are not arbitrary or solely constructed by societal norms but instead stem from the fundamental aspects of being human and the order of the universe.

This concept emphasizes that by understanding our human nature and the world around us, one can discern moral truths that are consistent and applicable regardless of differing cultures or social contracts. Natural law theorists assert that these moral truths are inherent and can guide ethical behavior and decision-making in various situations.

In contrast, the other options attribute the origin of moral standards to external sources, such as religious texts, cultural traditions, or social agreements, which lacks the universal and enduring qualities that natural law theory claims exist within human nature and the structure of the universe.