Philosophy Stack Exchange
Philosophy Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [human-nature]

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What essential properties make us human?

(Correct me if I am wrong) In ontology, essentialism is the belief that object O has property P, property P is therefore an ESSENTIAL property if there is something else which is not property P it is an ACCIDENTAL property So what are the…
user37486
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Are there secular philosophers who argue for predetermined and given meaning/value in life and essentialism?

In continental philosophy particularly existentialism, thinkers reject the idea that there are any predetermined or given meanings/values in life, and stresses that we must take up our freedom and responsibility to go and create meaning for…
user65383
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Why did Nietzsche call Spinoza his 'precursor'?

In a letter Nietzsche made the following comment about Spinoza; "I am utterly amazed, utterly enchanted! I have a precursor, and what a precursor! I hardly knew Spinoza: that I should have turned to him just now, was inspired by “instinct.” Not only…
user37981
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How to live the present instead of just surviving?

When I was younger, I always tried to imagine how my future would be, and how it would feel like. I tried to imagine how my relationships would be, how my house would be, what my job would be, etc., and I tried to feel a different sensation, a good…
Rafs V.
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Why do humans make infants?

Considering that humans are the most intelligent species on earth, why do humans make infants? I cannot understand the reason why humans make infants, when humans can't predict whether the child will be born healthy [mentally or…
Absolute Idiot
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Where is the line drawn on cheating Darwin/genetics? How does one accept this?

It is stated that cosmetic surgery is cheating genetics if the end result is aimed at increasing one's physical attraction and thus ultimately affecting natural selection in this person's favor. But where is the line drawn? What if one alters their…
Runner Ice
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Is there any author that argues for radical moral pluralism?

Let me first clarify what I mean with "radical" here. While many modern authors, if not all, accept moral pluralism of sorts, all that I know of express either the hope, if not the conviction, that there is some sort of baseline agreement or common…
Philip Klöcking
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Are there similar theory to Nikolay Bugaev's idea of "emergent morality"?

I need someone's insight to put into perspective the thoughts of an author I discovered only recently. Although this author's idea seems very intuitive - the kind of idea you might have as a child or teenager - I'm not sure I've ever heard it…
user21102
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What philosopher regarded the end and purpose of human life to be in relationships with other individuals?

I remember in my undergrad being taught about some philosopher who regarded the whole end and purpose of human existence to be primarily that of relationship with other people. I dont remember if he used the word love, but it had the implication of…
Good Ol' Saint Nick
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Can a human being not be a part of the human species?

I know that this question may sound silly, that it may look like the asker is just trying to acquire attention, that it may seem as if by one's asking this question one is partaking in something absolutely ridiculous, but I ask this question in the…
OneWhoBelievesInPeace
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History of Noble Savage idea

I used to believe that the idea of noble savage, that humans are innately well natured and corrupted into bad bahavior by socialization was originated by Rousseau. However, I just accidentally came upon Mencius, who predated Rousseau by about 2000…
amphibient
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Is human nature a problem for Marxists?

Is human nature a problem for Marxists? So I am very broadly speaking familiar with the idea that before the scientific phase of Marx's work he was more humanist, argued that human nature was being corrupted by capitalism. We are alienated from our…
user67155
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Are people naturally cooperative or selfish?

Machiavelli's The Prince has a rather low view of humanity. He paints humans as fickle, and ready to turn in desperate moments. This may be attributed to the fact that he was in exile and lived in a turbulent political time period. His observations…
DdogBoss
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If we had the ability to make humanity less war-like, should we?

Ok, this question is about both science and philosophy, but my focus is on the latter. Let’s assume that science and technology gave humanity the ability to „re-engineer“ itself on the genetic level. This would allow behavioural patterns, which may…
BenTol
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Criticism to the premise of arbitrariness of moral desert in Rawls

I am aware of several criticisms to Rawls's redistributive mechanics in A Theory of Justice. I am wondering whether there are also criticisms on the premise of arbitrariness of moral desert. I have seen Rawls's moral arbitrariness premise presented…
delete000
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