Human nature

Human nature refers to the distinguishing characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, which humans tend to have naturally, independently of the influence of culture. The questions of what these characteristics are, how fixed they are, and what causes them are amongst the oldest and most important questions in western philosophy. These questions have particularly important implications in ethics, politics, and theology. This is partly because human nature can be regarded as both a source of norms of conduct or ways of life, as well as presenting obstacles or constraints on living a good life. The complex implications of such questions are also dealt with in art and literature, while the multiple branches of the Humanities together form an important domain of inquiry into human nature and into the question of what it is to be human.

Theories of human nature

Many different theories of human nature have been proposed in Western philosophy, Eastern philosophy, and in the different world religions.

Western philosophy

In Western philosophy, there are several traditional theories of human nature. These include the theory of the Platonic soul, the Christian doctrine of original sin, the Enlightenment theory of natural rights, and the Marxist conception of human nature as historical product.

Eastern philosophy

In Eastern philosophy, human nature is a central theme in Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

World religions

In the world religions, human nature is a key concept. In Christianity, human nature is the result of the Fall of Man, while in Islam, human nature is considered good but imperfect.

See also

• Philosophy of mind
• Philosophy of human nature
• Human condition
• Human behavior
• Human evolution
• Human rights
• Humanism

References

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