What makes us human?

Question

Have you ever wondered what makes us human? Not an easy question to answer. Surely there are the animal components- I do like french fries, after all, so eating must have something to do with being human. But beyond the physical self exists a whole array of dimensions that make you human rather than something else. For fun, make a list of at least 8 things that make us human. You may simply list these things in words, phrases , or complete sentences.

Answer 1

1. intellect - conscious awareness of the world;
2. communication and problem solving skills;
3 ability to empathize with others (believe it or not).
4. upright walker;
5. belief in a hereafter (or conscious rejection of it).
6. Curiosity about things that are not immediately relevant to our personal lives;
7. willingness to engage in extended, unproductive activities for sheer enjoyment; and
8. capable of feeling guilt after doing something wrong.

Answer 2

I would think that DNA would be the leading factor.

It couldn't be just speech as there are birds that use speech, and there have been dogs & cats who can mimic some words. (My sister has a pit bull who helps her call her children inside, the dog calls Brittany, Kodey and Nickolas. {for real! It's a hoot!})

Thought, is not just a human gift, as many animals think.
Love, is not just a gift to humans, as mothers of many natures love their offspring, and some animal fathers are very protective of their offspring.

Everything eats something, it's fuel. So eating could not be considered just human nature.

Walking upright? Nah, there's birds, bears, and some dogs who would rather walk on two feet than four. And we can't forget the monkeys and such.

It's all in the DNA!

Answer 3

Some of Jane Goodall's seminal research on chimpanzees dealt with that very question. There are many, many similarities between humans and other primates, and not that many differences. Prior to Goodall's research, the human capacity to use tools was considered to be a benchmark -- until Goodall discovered that chimps used tools as well. Not complex tools, but none-the-less, tools. And so, based on that fact, the definition of human had to be changed. And it is still in flux as we learn more about other species. We don't know, for example, if other primates can use their imaginations as humans do. And imagination is the crux of invention. We are coming to realize that sea creatures, such as dolphins, while not primates, are very intelligent and have humanistic characteristics.
Humor was once thought to be a benchmark for humanity, but certainly Goodall's studies revealed that chimps do laugh, do play, and do have a sense of humor.
Perhaps the thing that sets humans apart is a belief in a higher being, a divinity, a higher calling -- call it what you will, but some force that impells us to work for the common good and to improve the lives of those around us.

Answer 4

"eating must have something to do with being human" What? My dog likes french fries, is she human? Societal structure, language, written word, information guidance. Those are the pillars which hold up humanity. Everything else is just philosophical dribble.

Answer 5

Our use of the first person singular 'I'. Our ability to abstract self from the body or physical self. Religion. Art.

From:
Ute Bublitz (1998)

Beyond Philosophy
Reconciliation and Rejection
Three Essays on Aristotle and Hegel

"Nature engenders nature, and nature only, in its reproduction and in its life. The rose brings forth more roses, never anything ‘unnatural’ or ‘unrose-like’. The human being creates humanity, but with this difference: what is human can at the same time be either ‘human’ or ‘inhuman’. The results of human action range from creations which fill our hearts and souls with lasting strength and delight, to crimes whose shame no atonement can wipe off the face of the earth."

http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/bublitz.htm

Our history.

Answer 6

There is nothing " beyond " the physical and these abstractions people are putting to you are all based in the human brain; which is a good " as if " differentiation as you will get. Do not make Descartes error; dualism.

Answer 7

What makes people distinctive is that we can understand our selves contained in the mirror. We actually have a sinse of previous present day and destiny. To be human is to comprehend authentic from incorrect and choose which to stick to.

Answer 8

well to answer the question one is assuming that humans are not infact animals, which biologically we are. but anything that is considered "human" is of human creation or origin so therefore being human is being creative and further more to being creative is the ability to assign values to that of which we have created. Sentimental values. without these all the technological marvels in the world bring humans at best to the super chimpanzee level.

Answer 9

The ability to challenge the thinking of other human beings makes us human.

Answer 10

Rational thought is what distinguishes us from non-human animals. It is the precursor to any other distinguishing characteristics like formal language or ability to manipulate environment.