9. Of course, humans are the product of both nature and nurture. To adequately understand the influence of the nurture side of human development, we must take the impact of culture into account.
8. The idea that human nature is entirely determined by our biology is starkly contradicted by developmental psychology, which studies how the adult human mind can continue to grow along numerous lines that unfold through clearly identifiable, universal stages of development.
7. So if consciousness evolves, does this mean that human nature itself likewise evolves? This question is complicated by the fact that what counts as “nature” remains subject to dispute. Are our minds merely the products of our brains?
6. By participating in humanity’s collective cultural knowledge, individuals can develop their overall cognitive capacity. And this kind of individual development counts as authentic evolution. Simply put, culture and consciousness coevolve.
5. However, *human culture* has clearly evolved over the last 300 years, as seen in the advent of democracy and human rights. Moreover, the average person in the developed world is now less prone to violence, less bigoted, less ignorant, and generally more concerned for the whole
5. However, *human culture* has clearly evolved over the last 300 years, as seen in … Read More »
4. I’m sympathetic to this conservative “precautionary principle.” Also, I think people have “a right to be who they are” and shouldn’t be subjected to coercive attempts at moral improvement by the State.
3. Most conservatives think human nature can’t be trusted and needs controls. And Thomas Sowell argues that “human nature is essentially unchanging and that man is naturally inherently self-interested, regardless of the best intentions.”
2. The key question surrounding the concept of human nature is whether it is mostly fixed or broadly malleable. We know individual people can change and become better. But what about larger populations overall, such as the American electorate?
2. The key question surrounding the concept of human nature is whether it is mostly … Read More »
1. Although it’s an ancient idea, “human nature” remains a vital concept. Improving our understanding of human nature overall, by better recognizing both our limitations and our potentials, is crucial for overcoming the challenges we face in the 21st century.
Humanity is a patient with a life-threatening addiction who, rather than face up to the profound lifestyle changes which alone will save them, has instead resorted to bargaining with the doctor.
