Is there such a thing as 'human nature'?

Question

Is there anything in our actions that suggests that there is some innate 'human' way of being? For example, are we intrinsically opposed to such actions such murder, theft etc. or have we simply 'learnt' it? In which case, how does human culture differ from animal culture?

Answer 1

Sure, there's such a thing as human nature, but there's no, empirical, way to distinguish it from cultural behavior. We can make intuitive guesses about it, and we can use our understanding of different cultures, and different people, to help us make better guesses, but we'll never know for sure what human nature is.

For instance, there are reasons to believe that people are, basically, good natured, and some of our social institutions are the primary source of our problems. Anthropologists have studied cultures that have no concept of, or words for, things like hatred, repression, jealousy, greed, deception, or politics. We have also run across many cultures that easily coexist with other cultures and their environment, and could not, literally, understand how anyone would behave any differently.

We all know of examples to the contrary. The real question is, how is it possible for cultures with no ability to conceptualize some of our problems to exist if human nature included those concepts? And why would we think we have problems at all if our nature really demanded that we create these problems? The link below summarizes a variety of answers to those questions.

As far as comparing us to other species, most species differ from each other in significant ways. Which critters did you have in mind?

Answer 2

We definately have a human nature.

Look around and see the world, sadly there is more bad then good. We take the path of least resistance and many times that is to do the wrong thing.

It takes character and a conscious to do the right thing.

Our nature is to help only ourselves. The self is first.

Character and humanity is a learned behavior but it is also instrinsic. Some can't bring themselves to cheat, steal and murder.

We really differ from the animal culture in that we have a will and we do with intent.

Animals, do with there instinct and without reason. They are motivated by their empty bellies and to promote there species.

Answer 3

Yes I do. In human nature I believe (now im getting a little religious so bare with me) we are a spirit in control of a body. not the other way around. our body is more easily persuaded to do things such as smoke pot, view pornography, etc... but our spirits can overide that desire and that is why there is sin. becasue we can stop and we choose to let "human nature" take over.
and furthermore some people would say that people are inheritly bad. and they are but our human conciousness which is someting different. which helps you know right from wrong isn't.

Answer 4

sure, there is. We do have instincts and all of us favor to eat and stay in a glance after. people are social and emotional animals, yet some human beings favor extra emotional help and social interest more desirable than others, I, in my opinion, am an introvert and prefer it that way. distinct human beings won't be able to comprehend why i'm an introvert--- a minimum of seventy 5 p.c. of people are extroverts. back, human beings might want to no longer "cop out" their personal habit and declare "Oh, this is human nature." besides as being emotional and social animals, people, too, have cognitive skills and may be rational/logical. we may be able to administration our thoughts/impulses/instincts even as it contains how we may be able to react to them. sure, we may be able to administration conflict, greed, envy, lust, and hate. this is like blaming your violent outrage on your testosterone once you're a guy or PMS once you're a woman. human beings can administration themselves and would't blame PMS, human nature, and testosterone each of the time. Then it receives old. we may be able to administration how we react to issues.

Answer 5

If u have unprotected sex with any one, the result will be a baby. This law applies to every living thing including us (this law is called the Law of Nature).

But u can see that we do not have sex with every one, like other animals do. The reason is our nature stops us from behaving like other animals, at least most of the times. This nature is special, because it is from God and is called Human Nature

Answer 6

You should read Lord of the Flies by: William Golding, it has his opinion about your question. Anyway, my take on it is that "human nature" is the animal instinct that we all have, i.e. the will to survive in any situation. those morals that you are talking about are just learned, it's all decorum, and that's what separates us from animals. for example, in the animal world, it isn't uncommon for the alpha male lion to eat lion cubs that aren't his, in the human world I think that it's pretty safe to say that this would be considered a disgusting and horrific act and punishable by law.

Answer 7

in behavior there are three major facts: nature, intent and instincts. Nature is of two faces as I know: ill and kind (they could both be acceptable), instincts are of four types: life, sex, feed and mingle.
Nature is intended as discontrol of artifacts and fears causing distress and infatuation. These alter the perception and liability of mammals mostly because of their common affairs regarding family. Most other creatures do not run away from others alike, or have females infatuate with appealing males.
Now there is the subtle yet intact fact with mammals not being actualy top predators or living creatures regarding of course their speed and intelligence misdemeanor and disrespect (which is of course unimportant to many, including me).
Humans do involve different species: homo, verengo and allospector. Science does cover these species as different in origin and personality. Homo is cynical in regard of intelligence, Verengo is curious and vengeful, Allospecter do not analyse or differenciate.
There is of course human nature, yet most do not appreciate be upsized from what consider other animals (even most evolved), so there is the consideration of scientific fact on this. Human nature is the way other animals see and discover us, with regard of science and evolution, it is natural awe to justice and reason be served, as condition not of social adaptation but of life expanse and kind treatment of own, not strange. Homos will emotion on this expanse, Verengo will critisize my approach and Allospecter do not explain on account of delusions or power.
I see this as common knowledge and certainly it is made up yet reflects even contains certain dignity and truth beyond nature and control. Bye.

Answer 8

I think human nature would be something more basic like eating, sleeping, peeing, having feelings...not something as intricate as murder...

~SugaSw33t

Answer 9

we are created in God's own image and likeness
therefoe we are innately good and it is expected of us to do good
How ever we have free will, doing what is wrong is misusing your free will.

Answer 10

We are taught by the people who raise us. That is where we get our values and beliefs from.