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Explore the dominance of natural laws over human laws in this UPSC Essay PYQ 2017 topic, focusing on environment, justice, and sustainability.
Contents
Essay Key
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Essay Topic | We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws |
| Paraphrase | This essay analyzes the dynamic between man-made laws and the unalterable laws of nature, emphasizing that while humans can establish legal systems, they cannot override the natural principles that govern life. |
| Intent of the Essay | This essay investigates how social media promotes self-centered behavior and examines its effects on interpersonal relationships and social connections. |
| Keywords | Natural Laws, Human Laws, Environmental Justice, Sustainability, Ecological Balance |
Key Arguments
1. Supremacy of Natural Laws
- Natural laws control core phenomena like gravity, thermodynamics, and ecological systems.
- Despite human regulations, natural events such as disasters often expose the limitations of man-made laws.
- Example: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami highlighted nature’s power, which overrode human construction and land-use laws.
2. Consequences of Ignoring Natural Laws
- Neglecting ecological balance results in issues like climate change, species extinction, and resource exhaustion.
- Laws driven solely by economic interests can trigger environmental collapse if not aligned with natural systems.
- Data: The IPCC warns that ignoring climate change could cause more frequent disasters and large-scale displacement.
3. Natural Justice and Fairness
- Natural justice suggests fairness should guide laws, in harmony with ecological stability.
- Environmental policies must prioritize sustainability to ensure human activity aligns with nature’s rules.
- Example: The Green Belt Movement promotes reforestation, merging environmental protection with social equity.
4. Sustainability and Ecological Resilience
- Building policies that respect natural systems is essential for long-term sustainability.
- Strengthening ecosystems alongside human development creates mutual resilience.
- Example: Practices like permaculture use nature’s logic to boost farming productivity while preserving biodiversity.
5. Governance and Future Policies
- Sound governance should recognize and respect nature’s limits within policy-making.
- A biocentric legal approach helps align human actions with planetary needs.
- Data: Countries investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly practices often achieve both economic growth and environmental stability.
Case Studies/Examples
| Case Study | Key Insights | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| The Paris Agreement | An international accord to combat climate change and its impacts | Illustrates the need to align human laws with natural laws for global sustainability |
| The Declaration of the Rights of Nature | Recognizes nature’s legal rights and aims to safeguard ecosystems | Highlights the evolution of laws that respect and integrate natural laws |
| Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index | Prioritizes environmental preservation and societal well-being over economic growth | Demonstrates a model where governance respects natural laws and sustainable development |
Additional Tips
- Explore Philosophical Foundations: Examine the views of philosophers like Aristotle, who argued that natural laws are fundamental and universally applicable.
- Include Climate Change Data: Present up-to-date statistics on climate change to strengthen the argument for respecting natural laws.
- Incorporate Diverse Perspectives: Draw from fields like ecology, law, philosophy, and economics to offer a well-rounded perspective on the issue.
- Use Global Case Studies: Analyze how different nations are incorporating natural laws into their legal systems and the outcomes of these approaches.
