Much of modern philosophy has cast doubt on the existence of catagories that would constitute a metaphysical substrata for that which exists in the world. Part of this doubt comes from the modern emphasis on the empirical and the suspicion that metaphysics constrains human freedom and introduces a kind of necessity or determinism into the meaning of existence.
However, classical philosophy understood a human nature as those distinct qualities of being common to all human persons. A "person" was understood as a distinct, ontological subject. A person was always unique in itself while a "nature" was evident in essential characteristics shared in common by all persons. This enabled ancient philosophy to recognize a dynamism between the one and the many, the singular and the plural, and the individual and the collective. Our "personhood" is who we are, our "nature" makes us what we are. Our "personhood" is unique, while our "nature" is something that all human subjects share in common.
As I said modernity is fussy and reactive about such distinctions, but I think that it is a helpful way to think about and understand those qualities of being that make us human.
2007-06-11 12:06:30
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answer #1
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answered by Timaeus 6
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Most of the things that we describe as 'human nature' are really just things that we don't want to change. Sure our biology dictates part of our personality but those people who have will power (which is most of us) can shape that personality.
Humans are the most flexible of any of the creatures on Earth. (not necessarily the smartest or best but definitely the most flexible) We can make tools to overcome almost any challenge.
This is an age old question and though not absolute, I believe in the 'tabula rasa' (an empty slate) idea. We can be who we want to be with very very few exceptions.
2007-06-11 10:47:44
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answer #2
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answered by megalomaniac 7
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"Human nature" are those things which we prefer not to take accountability for. After all, why acknowledge that I had a choice to do X, if I can just attribute it to human nature.
Human nature a great excuse.
2007-06-11 10:13:31
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answer #3
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answered by guru 7
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Of course there is, if not, then...how would we describe the way we act. Or perhaps...if you weren't to call it human nature, then the nature of intelligent beings? Ha.
2007-06-11 10:18:01
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answer #4
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answered by Cowboy_Bebop 2
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Human behavior is animal behavior, intelligence does not always override biological impulse.
2007-06-11 10:15:00
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answer #5
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answered by Dull Jon 6
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everything comes to an end so I think the human kind will too.
But i dont think its gonna happen any time soon
2007-06-11 10:13:53
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answer #6
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answered by pljase 1
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