Philosophy Now Forum

DoctorT wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:36 pm Hi!

Re the definition of human nature, is his a true statement?

In a psychological context, generally speaking, human nature may be defined as the common characteristics that all humans share while, at the same time, displaying individual (i.e., different) characteristics. For example, all humans think but humans have different thoughts. Some of these characteristics are not exclusive to humans. For example, animals, like humans, communicate, but, on the surface, at lower levels of complexity.

Dr. T

Hi Doc

I'd say that human nature in contrast to other animals is best defined as living with hypocrisy

DoctorT wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:36 pm Hi!

Re the definition of human nature, is his a true statement?

In a psychological context, generally speaking, human nature may be defined as the common characteristics that all humans share while, at the same time, displaying individual (i.e., different) characteristics.

This, to me, appears to be a true statement. However, if it is actually correct or not is another matter.

It is a true statement in that, "In a psychological context, generally speaking, human nature MAY be defined as ....

However, IF "the common characteristics that all humans share while, at the same time, displaying individual (i.e., different) characteristics" actually IS the definition of 'human nature', in a psychological context, generally speaking, then I have absolutely NO idea whether it is a true statement or not.

I would, however, suggest that what MIGHT BE a more true AND correct statement is; the definition of 'human nature' would contain the common characteristics/s, which ALL humans have and share naturally, while at the same time NOT necessarily having to be individual/different characteristics among humans at all, but, the characteristics of 'human nature' would have to be different characteristics to ALL other animals and ALL other things.

And example of this could be; The ability to learn, understand, and reason ANY thing (everything) is a characteristic of human beings, which NO other known thing has this ability nor capable of doing. As far as known, ONLY humans have this ability and are naturally capable of doing this.

DoctorT wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:36 pm For example, all humans think but humans have different thoughts. Some of these characteristics are not exclusive to humans. For example, animals, like humans, communicate, but, on the surface, at lower levels of complexity.

Dr. T

IF other things have, or can do, some thing, which humans, themselves, have, and can do, then that would 'sort of' rule OUT completely 'it' being 'human nature' would it not?

To me, what is NATURAL to ALL humans ONLY is what IS 'human nature'. But this statement is OPEN to being a non true statement, as well.

DoctorT wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:36 pm Hi!

Re the definition of human nature, is his a true statement?

In a psychological context, generally speaking, human nature may be defined as the common characteristics that all humans share while, at the same time, displaying individual (i.e., different) characteristics. For example, all humans think but humans have different thoughts. Some of these characteristics are not exclusive to humans. For example, animals, like humans, communicate, but, on the surface, at lower levels of complexity.

Dr. T

It's that which comes natural to the animal, every innate capability.

each human makes their own nature

-Imp

Impenitent wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2019 11:14 pm each human makes their own nature

-Imp

What is the one, which you made up?

Impenitent wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2019 11:14 pm each human makes their own nature

-Imp

So you're anti-determinism!