Essay on Principles of Human Nature - 909 Words

Fundamental Principles of Human Nature The heated controversy over how human beings develop their behavior, ideas, reasoning and other abstract traits has been in ongoing debate for centuries. John Locke’s â€Å"blank slate† theory of experience and sensation, and Edward Wilson’s theory of evolutionary biology and innate genes are both valid and apply to the development of human nature. It is has been proven through scientific research of the human genome over time, that both sides of this controversial subject are partially correct (Powell). However, I believe Wilson’s theory is the most reasonable and legitimate in influencing the outcome of one’s character. John Locke’s theory states that the mind begins as a â€Å"blank slate†, and that†¦show more content†¦Locke’s theory that all ideas and knowledge result directly from experience is quite reasonable, however I believe that experience only goes so far in determinin g the overall outcome of who a person is and the way in which they behave. A common saying some like to say when referring to the way a person acts or behaves is, â€Å"Oh, she got it from her mother/father.† I hold this true to myself, being my own example, I know for a fact that I inherited certain unique qualities and behavioral traits from my mother and father. My older sister and I were raised together in the same environment for 18 years, under the same/similar circumstances, and it is quite obvious that although we share many interests and ideas, our personalities are nearly polar opposite. She is calm, patient, and extremely shy, which is strikingly similar to my father’s personality. I am very outgoing, impatient, and (unfortunately) emotional, which my mother finds humorous at times, seeing how we are so similar in the way that we reason and react to things. Although there is no documented or scientifically proven evidence that this is true, I know that it mu st be true to some extent, and that hereditary must have played a role in my collection of reasoning and understanding. For instance, if genetics did not play any role in this outcome, then how could fraternal twins, raised under the same environment and conditions, differ at all in behaviorShow MoreRelatedRen Descartess Principles Of Human Knowledge And The Nature Of Knowledge1732 Words   |  7 Pagesrationalist of the 1600, studied and critiqued the nature of knowledge and the reality of the world. Descartes was well known for his Method of Doubt where he encouraged using doubt explicitly and systematically as a tool for reaching certainty. He aimed at proving ideas and beliefs to be true but, to him, it is essential to detach from trusting the senses to provide certain knowledge. Jonathan Bennett overviews Descartes’ ideologies and principles on human knowledge and material things; He also describesRead MoreUniversalist Theory Of Universalism1237 Words   |  5 Pagesse xuality, and other distinguishing features (Greenwood and Harris, 2011). Universal ethics refer to a moral system that applies to the entire humanity, transcending personal whims, and culture in the process. The justification for this rises from human nature, which is a shared vulnerability of suffering and demands universal reasoning. It also involves religion mandates and existing moral codes. It contrasts moral relativism, which claims that moral truths are relative to personal, historical, culturalRead MoreEssay on Nature, Beauty, Gratitude678 Words   |  3 Pagesmagnificent images that divulge the exquisite beauty of nature, gratitude, and the universe. In Louie’s Ted talk show, he clearly delineates his ideas of preserving the nature, appreciating the nature, and be grateful of the nature. Louie want to inspire others to do the same thing as him, to see the beauty of nature, to appreciate then, and to thank the nature for what they did for us, instead of taking the na ture for granted. These ideas and principles that Louie illustrated in the video can be appliedRead MoreConfucianism Vs Taoism1378 Words   |  6 Pagestwo religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connect to influence an individual. Confucianism is a religion that bases its philosophy and principles on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived between 551 and 478 BCRead More Whitmans Interpretation of Emerson Essay902 Words   |  4 Pagesto use Emersons principles that are outlined in The Poet to springboard into something more expansive than Emerson was able to describe or create. Emerson states in his 15th principle in The Poet that there is no fact in nature that does not carry the whole sense of nature. To elaborate this claim Emerson states, the distinctions which we make †¦disappear when nature is used as a symbol. Thought makes everything fit for use,(Emerson Principle 15). Emerson is seeing nature as being a symbolRead MoreEssay on Sigmund Freud on Human Nature1381 Words   |  6 PagesSigmund Freud, a noteworthy trailblazer of modern-day philosophy, developed a deterministic view on human nature based on instinct and personality. Unlike other theories, Freud considers us not as humans, but animals with inborn biological drives: a complex species with primitive urges. These urges, he says, are only kept under control by the pressures between peers and the repression of society. Though the word â€Å"instinct† can relate to a wide range of impulses, Freud narrowed it down to fourRead MoreAnalysis Of Rawl s Theory Of Justice895 Words   |   4 PagesBy examining Rawl’s philosophy, I will agree with his original position, veil of ignorance, and justice as fairness which contains his view of human nature. Then, I will compare and contrase John Lockes’ differing views of human nature to Rawl’s position of human nature and defend possible assertions towards Rawls’ position. Rawls view of human nature assumes everyone makes decisions based on self-interest alone, while making a rational account to the available information around, such as theRead MoreAristotle Vs Human Nature Essay1321 Words   |  6 PagesThe term nature signifies a set of characteristic that distinguishes humans, as a species, from all other beings (Wiles). A set of characteristics distinctive of a species is known as the Greek term, Phusis. According to both Plato and Aristotle, human nature is unchanging. On the contrary, Sarte has a different belief on the topic of essence that do not accord with classical philosophical tradition. Human souls are characterized by their capacity to reason. This capacity exists, perhaps in varyingRead MoreHuman Nature Vs. Moral Logic Essay1140 Words   |  5 PagesWith numerous wars, murders, and rapes it’s normal to think that humans tend towards disorder. Even at a young age, humans are selfish and think egocentrically. If they are lucky, they grow up to think abstractly, only to use those thoughts to outsmart another human. However, human nature is fundamentally good: if one was to strip a human of their social responsibilities and influences, they would realize that a human is simple-minded and morally good. They openly donate their time and resourcesRead MoreSummary Of Extending The Ethical Wealth Of Nations 1256 Words   |  6 Pagesthat the nature of being is goodness but Xunzi believes it is evil. Mencius advocated the theory of original goodness in human nature. His theory has affected the classical Chinese culture deeply and has been considered the most important theory of his thought. Mencius illustrated that: The feeling of commiseration belongs to all men; so does that of shame and dislike; and that of reverence and respect; and that of approving and disapproving. The feeling of commiseration implies the principle of benevolence;