What concept emphasizes that deviation from natural norms is morally wrong?

The concept that emphasizes that deviation from natural norms is morally wrong is rooted in Natural Law Theory. This philosophical perspective posits that there are inherent norms and values in nature that can be discerned through reason. Advocates of Natural Law believe that moral principles are drawn from the understanding of human nature and the natural order, suggesting that behaviors aligning with these natural laws are inherently good, while actions that deviate from them are considered morally wrong.

Natural Law Theory holds that certain rights and moral values are universal and unchanging, corresponding to an objective reality that exists independently of human opinion. This framework has been influential in various fields, including legal philosophy and ethics, shaping the understanding of morality as something grounded in the essence of human existence and the nature of the world.

In contrast, other options present differing ethical frameworks. Utilitarianism focuses on the outcomes of actions and the maximization of overall happiness, while hedonism prioritizes pleasure as the highest good. Relativism, on the other hand, argues that moral principles are not universal but rather culturally or individually determined. These differing approaches do not necessarily center on the idea of natural norms being a standard for moral judgment as Natural Law Theory does.