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Posts Tagged ‘The philosophy of human nature’

This article deals with the philosophy of human nature. More specifically, this article talks about the human-nature attributes of right and wrong, free will and determinism, and religion and nature.

Theories/Speculation

The idea that human beings have an inherent sense of right and wrong has been debated since the dawn of our species.

It is hotly debated in academic circles, talked about in nearly every religion known to man and discussed at length within the family unit. There are several things to consider when debating this topic.

Theories/Speculation

While people usually find comfort in family, friends, work and extracurricular activities that are inherently good for society, there is a segment that is mentally unstable and prone to violence. Specifically, sociopathic personalities directly contradict the idea that humans are compelled to do good.

It is widely believed that this type of personality–sometimes manifesting in violent behavior against other human beings–can not differentiate between’right and wrong behaviors.

While it can be debated that the definition of doing good is wildly subjective, I think that most humans can determine quite easily what feels right and what feels wrong. That “gut feeling” is directly linked to our instinct and can be relied on in many situations.

If sociopathic behavior exists in our population, how can we deduce that a sense of right a wrong is an inherent characteristic? Also, what does this say about the nature of evolution in humans?

Have we not progressed enough to eliminate this seemingly dangerous and antisocial behavior? Many philosophers have argued that different theories are needed to fully discuss the discourse of right and wrong.

Theories/Speculation

Similarly, the discussion of right and wrong can be compared to the debate between free will and determinism. Again, this is a hotly contested argument in many spheres of our lives, particularly religious.

On the one hand, some believe that control over one’s path and destiny comes strictly from one’s own decisions, intuition and intelligence.

On the other hand, some humans think their paths are predetermined; that before they are born a specific plan has be set out for them and it is their decision whether to walk the line. Read the rest of this entry »