Human nature is a phrase used to describe and explain the typical things we do as humans. Many modern-day philosophers challenge the phrase human nature. One can argue that it can be changed to some extent. Some people follow the theory of existential Nihilism, meaning that life has no intrinsic meaning or value.
Human nature is a phrase used to describe and explain the typical things we do as humans. Many modern-day philosophers challenge the phrase human nature. One can argue that it can be changed to some extent. Some people follow the theory of existential Nihilism, meaning that life has no intrinsic meaning or value.
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Human nature is a phrase used to describe and explain the typical things we do as humans. Many modern-day philosophers challenge the phrase human nature. One can argue that it can be changed to some extent. Some people follow the theory of existential Nihilism, meaning that life has no intrinsic meaning or value.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
humans. It is human nature to be curious, for example.
m The philosophy or idea that humans have
universal or inherent traits which cause them to act the way we do. m `any modern-day philosophers challenge the phrase human nature. Is it really true that we cannot change who we are? Are we different from animals? What really makes us a human being?
m Can Our Human Nature Be
Changed? m There is plenty of debate on this question. One can argue that it can be changed to some extent. m `arx·s Theory- occupies place on conception of communism and his critique on capitalism. `arx did not talk about human nature, but about Gattungswesen, meaning ´species- beingµ. m The term ´species-beingµ meant that human have the ability to shape their own life or nature to some extent. m We cannot fully change because certain characteristics of a human restrict us to being as one in some ways (shown in Ludwig Feuerbach·s philosophy when he refers to humanity as a whole). m ¢videntially, we CAN change our nature... m We possess freedom, therefore we hold the power to shape our life accordingly and to make it worthwhile. m Soren Kierkegaard, the father of existentialism, claimed each human is responsible for making their life sincere and passionate, in spite of existential obstacles and distractions such as absurdity, boredom and despair. m ¢xistentialism was often used in the post- World War years as a way to emphasize the importance of individuality and freedom. m Relevant to today- each human has a set of individual rights, including freedom of speech. (hence, freedom.) m People define themselves using their own standards and are given complete freedom of choice. m The concept that ´¢xistence precedes essenceµ meaning that the actual life of a human constitutes the essence. m When we are born, we gain consciousness and our ´essenceµ allows us to create our own values and give meaning to life. (Basically, human nature can be changed.) The world itself is nakedly meaningless, and we make ourselves special. m We possess the ability modify and change our own life and are able, to some extent, to change our nature. m Some people follow the theory of ¢xistential Nihilism, meaning that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. m It stems from scientific analysis that physical laws solely contributed to our existence. m There are many forms of Nihilism and they all mean different things. ¢.g. moral nihilism means morality does not exist as something inherent to objective reality (basically, it means no action is preferable to the other.) m vltimately means that a single human or the entire human species is insignificant, without purpose and is not likely to change on the totality of existence (meaning each person has no value and that we live everyday for no reason.) m The only meaning of life is to live it. So simple, yet so illogical. m Therefore, since each human being is insignificant to the other, we are all the same and cannot change our human nature or alter anything. m `any believe human nature is inherent and is within us when we are born. This is quite true. For example, human nature can stem from the Bible where it states we are all sinners and that no human is better than the other and we all have a predetermined, induced trait. m Similarly, Buddhism stems from a comparable concept, stating that our souls are impermanent; however, we are born with five basic traits. From these five traits, we have the ability to carry out our duties on ¢arth to contribute to our Karmic accumulation (human nature.) m Buddhists believe human existence is nothing more than five composite aggregates (khandas)«.. m Physical Forms (rupa) m Feelings or sensations (vendana) m Ideations (sanna) m `ental forms or dispositions (sankhara) m Consciousness (vinnana) m These khandas come together at birth to form a human person. m It states that a person is a ´Selfµ in that he/she can accumulate Karma and is subject to moral action, though the soul itself is not unchanging or enduring. m After death, reincarnation occurs and based on the persons Karma, the person will reincarnate into a different being. This shows we have the ability to change ourselves, proving that through moral actions we can change human nature. m We were said to be created in God·s image, shown in Genesis 1:26-27 (´Let us make man in our image«). God later pronounced us to be ´very goodµ , hinting that God himself is absolutely good, and because of this, he cannot be the origin of anything evil. m However, we have an induced fallen nature. When Adam and ¢ve disobeyed God, they brought negative results that endure to this day. m When this happened, permanent damage was done to the soul, which created each an every human to have a tendency to commit sin. m Sin is therefore universal; every human being has fulfilled the inborn tendency and actually committed sins; therefore, we have a naturally sinful nature which we can·t change. m Similarities- both the Christian and Buddhist belief on human nature share similar concepts e.g. both believe we are born with a common trait. This could be because both Jesus and Buddha (founders of religion) shared similar ideologies and thoughts. m Differences- the Christian belief states that sinful nature is induced and no matter what good deeds we do, it will remain there. However, the Buddhist belief states that we can change our nature by doing good deeds (Karmic accumulation.) m There is overall widespread controversy on whether human nature exists or whether it can be changed. On one hand, human nature can be changed to some extent. m On the other hand, human nature is induced by sin and is unchangeable. m In my opinion, our human nature is barred to a certain extent, and that we possess the freedom to make changes to our life that we see fit.
Hans-Ulrich Hoche - Reflexive Monism' Versus Complementarism': An Analysis and Criticism of The Conceptual Groundwork of Max Velmans's Reflexive Model' of Consciousness