Perhaps I come from a different world to you because I have most certainly seen the darker side of 'normal'. And I really don't whether your view is the more common experience and whether or not mine is the deviant one? — Jack Cummins
If human nature existed, then it would imply that there is some part of all of us that our environment does not affect. I fail to see what this part of us is, or even possibly could be, so I doubt it’s existence. — Pinprick
Your view of “human nature” as something that exists as a “fixed” and “unalterable” structure of perceptual cognition easily falters under the mounting history of a fluidly changing cognitive and societal existence. Our “nature” wasn’t always as it exists today. As such it cannot be “fixed”. — JackBRotten
Reason responds in a fluid way. It’s fixed as a core attribute but it’s responses are fluid.
In fact our nature is exactly the same now as it was earlier. — Brett
At our core, we need 4 basic things: eat, sleep, sex, drink. Everything we do revolves around delivering those 4 basic things at a particular combination specific to each individual. — 8livesleft
Human nature may be regarded as destructive because it has learned how to use nature and control nature to the degree it suits our purposes. — Brett
Reading through your comments made earlier today it seems that you are concerned about the destructive potential of human nature. — Jack Cummins
Human nature may be regarded as destructive because it has learned how to use nature and control nature to the degree it suits our purposes. — Brett
Can you explain in what way you believe that destructive elements of human nature will be righted. — Jack Cummins
it would be helpful if you could say briefly but a bit more clearly your point of view. — Jack Cummins
In one of your posts you suggest that there are 4 basic needs: 'eat, sleep,sex and drink'. I find this a rather simplistic picture of human nature. — Jack Cummins
It may come down to basic sets of values and aspirations. Of the those raised in poverty may in some cases be told that these are the important aspirations. But you leave out the whole aspect of relationships with others which I would think is treated as more important than material goals, particularly in some more poverty stricken societies. Perhaps?
Life as we know it is turning upside down but it may involve relearning the basics and essence of human nature, for worse, or preferably, for better. — Jack Cummins
What I would say is that it is possible to not belong to any community at all. Most people have some connections with others but it is variable.
But in some cities people are increasingly becoming numbers and isolated. — Jack Cummins
I would say that the whole way we live is part of way of defining human beings. There are underlying issues, especially the nature and nurture one. However, the possible adaptations we make in the face of our circumstances and possible freedoms are also one way of seeing human nature. — Jack Cummins
So, what I am asking is whether there is a human nature? In this sense, I am also asking about whether there is a fixed nature or whether it can be altered. But firstly I am asking is the idea of human nature still a fundamental part of philosophy or has it been superseded by a more important agenda?[/quote
First of all I would agree with this comment.
— Jack Cummins
I do not believe in any one simplistic definition of human nature — Jack Cummins
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