What is Human Nature? What makes us tick? What determines our behavior?

What makes us human? There are a set of logical characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, that are assumed to be shared by all 'normal' human beings. There are a set of logical characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, that are assumed to be shared by all 'normal' human beings. The conditioning and programming of behavior that has been experienced in human existence. The conditioning and programming of behavior that has been experienced in human existence. Influenced by culture, attitudes, emotions, values Influenced by culture, attitudes, emotions, values

Human Nature Brings forth the idea of “nature versus nurture”. What dictates an individual’s personality and behavior traits? Brings forth the idea of “nature versus nurture”. What dictates an individual’s personality and behavior traits? Nature; innate qualities of individuals Nature; innate qualities of individuals Nurture; personal experiences Nurture; personal experiences

The Battle of Good Versus Evil

Natural Evils

Moral Evils

The Battle of Good Versus Evil Primitive man’s concepts of Good and Evil were based on; Primitive man’s concepts of Good and Evil were based on; Good = survival Evil = the unknown, unexplained Through the centuries people created images of demons and devils so they could directly blame a person or object for his/her fears + misfortunes. Through the centuries people created images of demons and devils so they could directly blame a person or object for his/her fears + misfortunes.  According to Socrates, good was knowledge and evil was ignorance.

Neighbours Initially how would you characterize the relationship between the two neighbors? 2. At what point did that relationship change? 3. What did the flower symbolize? 4. At what point did their actions become barbaric?

How do people personify good??

How do people personify evil?

Huli warriors planning attack on tribe who stole pigs (Papua New Guinea Highlands 1993)

Samuari Ancient Warriors that believed “death should be kept close in mind” Ancient Warriors that believed “death should be kept close in mind” Death for a cause such as protecting master Death for a cause such as protecting master If masterless therefore purposeless If masterless therefore purposeless Mass suicides Mass suicides

Are humans good or evil? “Many of you think that this is a strange question; it really depends on the person in question. True, but here’s why I think it’s an important question. If you peel off all the shells a person has, like conscience or compassion, a person is basically evil. Think about it, what is your first reaction when someone hurts himself or herself or performs poorly? You feel better. A fraction of a second later you might feel bad for that person, when your shells kick in. The way I see it, a person is like the universe. When there is nothing there, it is a very dark and cold place. But if you light a candle, darkness cannot fight it. Where there is light, darkeness cannot exist. You cannot create darkness, only remove the light. But if the light disappears, darkness will always be there.” - Anonymous

What makes us moral? 1. Explain “our paradox” 1. Explain “our paradox” We've made such strides towards equality, yet commit the most horrific atrocities. We've made such strides towards equality, yet commit the most horrific atrocities. We love, empathize, sacrifice (organ donation) and with the same hand have the power to take it all away We love, empathize, sacrifice (organ donation) and with the same hand have the power to take it all away

What makes us moral? 2. How are humans unique? 2. How are humans unique? Empathy Empathy 3. “Powerful dichotomy” 3. “Powerful dichotomy” The instinct to help some and not others The instinct to help some and not others 4. “Sense of Community” 4. “Sense of Community” The sense of group membership ensures one food, family and the protection of predators The sense of group membership ensures one food, family and the protection of predators 5. “Moral Code” is enforced by threats of shunning, being ostracized and banishment 5. “Moral Code” is enforced by threats of shunning, being ostracized and banishment

Ancient Athens  Athens – democracy  Evil meant too much pride, over confidence, any action that would shame the victim, those that challenged laws  In times of war they fought because they had to.

Sparta  Good = rigid, discipline, warfare, asceticism  Evil = going against religious goals, demonstrating weakness

Examples of human nature