The Essence of Humanity
November 27th 2009 05:21
When asked to describe what makes us human, what is, specifically, the essence of a human, humans typically fail. Some say, it is the body. The human, five pointed, anthropomorphic shape, containing its specific nervous system, cardio vascular system and high level brain. I am starting to think, in light of the other arguments, that this and this only is the correct explanation.
Because, some people say 'compassion' some people say 'communication'. They go on and on about emotional attributes. However, in our fiction we have attributed human characteristics such as generosity and compassion to things that are specifically IN human. Frankenstien. Vampires. Dragons. It is recorded fact that animals of ALL species, even reptiles, form bonds, show affection and deduce problems as a result of perception, when in years past, these were strictly human attributes.
And theres the other side of the coin - murderers, abusers, theives, people who cause incredible hurt and grief. We call them inhuman, we do. But are they? They walk, talk, have higher brain functions. They look just like us, and a penchant for destruction and violence is just as prevalent in the human animal as is kindness and love.
So begins my hunt for the essence of humanity. How would we describe the human to an alien race who cannot understand these factors as I have listed them above? What is the single factor we have in common that causes us to be, simply and completely, human? As I have mentioned, it cannot be those of love and compassion, as these are evident in all animal species. The same for all traits of destruction - evident in the animal world.
What is the essence of humanity? What makes us human, more than anything else? I plan to explore emotions, brain functions and the unique nervous system spread over the five pointed shape, using fictional and real world characters as examples.
But for now, just chew on that.
Because, some people say 'compassion' some people say 'communication'. They go on and on about emotional attributes. However, in our fiction we have attributed human characteristics such as generosity and compassion to things that are specifically IN human. Frankenstien. Vampires. Dragons. It is recorded fact that animals of ALL species, even reptiles, form bonds, show affection and deduce problems as a result of perception, when in years past, these were strictly human attributes.
And theres the other side of the coin - murderers, abusers, theives, people who cause incredible hurt and grief. We call them inhuman, we do. But are they? They walk, talk, have higher brain functions. They look just like us, and a penchant for destruction and violence is just as prevalent in the human animal as is kindness and love.
So begins my hunt for the essence of humanity. How would we describe the human to an alien race who cannot understand these factors as I have listed them above? What is the single factor we have in common that causes us to be, simply and completely, human? As I have mentioned, it cannot be those of love and compassion, as these are evident in all animal species. The same for all traits of destruction - evident in the animal world.
What is the essence of humanity? What makes us human, more than anything else? I plan to explore emotions, brain functions and the unique nervous system spread over the five pointed shape, using fictional and real world characters as examples.
But for now, just chew on that.
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Comment by Journeywoman
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I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
I have absolutely no idea! I think this is going to be one of those questions where the deeper you delve into the topic, the further it eludes you. But a worthy undertaking nonetheless.... like with all philosophy it's not about coming up with the right answer, but thinking about the question being asked. Looking forward to reading your ideas.
Comment by Nonymous
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Hiya Journeywoman,
Sorry I havnt had a chance to drop in on you lately. I will be following this up, but it being the silly season and me being in retail...Well. Lets just say, I'll be pressed for time. Im happy that you have taken an interest and I hope to see you on the later posts.
Nonymous...
Very, very interesting. As I said in the beginning, there is the human shape, nervous system. There is always that!
And I have heard before that it is the very differences to each other that spell out humanity. I like your thinking.
Comment by Dioxine
There probably are no hard borders between human and animal, but one attribute seems to be uniquely human. Abstract thought. Animals feel love, fear and anger, but only humans are able to think about love, fear or anger. Or think about thinking (which, in extreme cases, like my father, might lead to schizophrenia).
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I recently read 'Horses have neither memory nor imagination' and its making me think differently about this issue. A horse may have a bad experience travelling on a float, and ever thereafter be difficult to load, but he cant specifically remember WHY.
I know its been a long time since I posted this, but I do plan to follow it up.
Thanks again for your interest.