What It Means to Be Human - Essay Example

What it means to be human Philosophy What it means to be human There have been numerous philosophical viewpoints on the definition of mankind and what exactly differentiates the so called humans from other species. The subject matter possesses a great amount of controversy and many theories have been developed. The human being is comprised of a complex amount of systems and characteristics hence can be defined from numerous perspectives. Many philosophers have expressed different view points on the subject matter. This paper will analyze the view points of Willard and Aquinas. Dallas Willard expresses his view points through cultural shifts, classical philosophy and modernity. In the process he investigates and analyzes arguments concerning human nature and derives the conclusion that humans were are solely distinguished by their ability to love and be loved and to serve and be served by others. Thomas Aquinas viewed human nature as a paradox, with the defining trait of dividing between spirit and matter. The paper will compare and contrast the different view points of these philosophers and how they argue and support their view points. Thomas Aquinas perceives the link between consciousness and matter ‘as humanity’s desire for God as an expression for the life of the trinity’ (Beattie, 2012). Humans are the only living species who have the ability to differentiate their existence between spirit and matter. This is a defining characteristic as humans are able to differentiate themselves for other animals. This is also a good criterion in the sense that the ability to differentiate the body and spirit enables humans to analyze and interpret the world they live in and the society. He also emphasizes on the characteristic that humans are able to create order in their community. This theory is evident and can be observed in the modern world. Humans live in a society that is far more complex that any other species. It is characterized by technological advancements and diversity in the community. Other species which have been assumed to share similarity with humans do not have the diversity that is present in the human society. Aquinas also defines human nature by its ability to derive meaning from the essence of life. This perspective provides insight on the subject matter as the ability to value the meaning of life allows humanity to preserve it and create a society which is guided by boundaries which enable the preservation of life. This is a well structured argument as this is present in the human society and has not been defined as a trait in other species. The ability of separation of an inner self the physical being also enables one to act upon the means that cater for ideal conditions in society. Humanity also has the ability to ‘utilize its intellect to transcend its material confines with a unique imagination and freedom’ (Beattie, 2012). The modern philosophical referral to this matter is known as the problem of consciousness. The theory of evolution fails to explain the ability of one species, humans, to develop a conscience. Many philosophers agree with Aquinas’ viewpoint as they accept the ideology that the ability of mankind to question his very being and try to find ways to study and analyze reason for his existence and that of other species (Rose, 2008). Other species do not have the capacity to question their existence and other life forms around them. Most species are naturally aware of their existence and way to carry out their lives to put them at an advantage in their community. However, the complexity of this analogy is only characteristic to humans. Other species analyze their community for survival whilst humans analyze theirs for advancement and improvement of life. The fact that evolution does not show these traits in other species is Aquinas basis in disregarding this concept in the process of defining human beings. It is also his rightful basis on disregarding the ideologies of fellow philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Rene Descartes who perceive our minds as the tool that inflicts the true meaning of the world. Aquinas’ definition of human beings is also based on the ability for them to absorb knowledge from their surroundings and use it improve themselves and their society. Knowledge is acquired using the human senses and is developed through bodily experiences. This also raises a point of question concerning this theory as other species possess similar senses however do not have the development or complexity of humans. This unlike his other viewpoints does not provide a concrete argument on the uniqueness of the human species. However, Aquinas proceeds to explain this ideology as a derivation from the love for God. The humans have the appreciation for nature and beauty which is associated and directly linked with the love for God. Humans possess three inseparable qualities; love, goodness and knowledge (Beattie, 2012). Aquinas defines the unique characteristics of human beings as the nature in which they were created by God. He defines God as a medium through which bodies contain intelligent souls, and the body and soul work together in an orderly and coherent universe (Beattie, 2012). This in turn results in all species on earth following forms towards God and serving the purpose that they were created to serve. Morality is also a defining trait of human beings; however, Aquinas does not see this as the most important aspect of life. Nevertheless, morality is a significant defining characteristic as it allows laws and regulations to be established in modern human society. It allows humans to identify themselves and separates them from other species. Willard identifies the differential factor of human beings as their ability to love and be loved by others (). This shares similarity to Aquinas’ view point on the opinion that humans develop and gain their knowledge from the ability to love and appreciate their surroundings which in turn defines them and makes them more complex than other creatures. With out the quality of love, Aquinas’ theory shows that humans would be unable to advance or obtain more knowledge from their surroundings as they would not appreciate nature or any other life form. This would result in an uncivilized society, similar to that of animals in which development is created for survival. Willard also marks the defining traits of human beings as dignity, free will and conscience. He labels these qualities as influential in the existence of man and also attributes the constant changes that occur in human lives to these factors. The ability for humans to exercise free will enables them to choose their actions and act in a way they fell is best suitable for their needs. Free will allows humans’ society to regulate the norms by creating a structure of morals and way of life that allows individuals to choose the appropriate mode of self control and at the same time exercise their freedom in a risk free manner (Rose, 2008). Though these traits may result in a continued change of the definition of what exactly it means to be human, they will always contribute to set standards and traits that separate humans from other species. Willard also defines human beings as different in the sense that they possess self awareness, both mental and physical feelings, and have imperfections in their nature (Willard, n.d). To quote Descartes, ‘I think therefore Iam’, is one defining trait of humans as they are able to question their existence (Willard, n.d). This is a concrete argument as it can explain the reasons to the particular question in the subject matter. The essence of the matter is that as humans we can question ourselves and ask questions about our universe has led us to conducting experiments and acquiring knowledge using the sense that we possess in establishing new theories about life and other matters in the universe. It also allows us to develop ourselves and place ourselves above other species. This has led to the establishment of theories concerning the preservation of other life forms and the universe. Willard also possesses the opinion that humans can be defined by both their physical and emotional feelings (Willard, n.d). However, a questionable aspect of this matter is the fact that animals have also been discovered to possess some forms of emotions, and yet they are not as developed as humans. The answer to the question can be associated with the exercise of freewill, which Willard defined as one of the contributing aspects to humanity. This further establishes his theory on the fact that the definition of what it means to be human is a combination of many factors. This can also be compared with Aquinas theory of the ability of humans to separate their spiritual and physical beings. This explains why humans are able to utilize their emotions in ways that enable them to further advance and improve their existence. Both philosophers agree on the connection between human beings and God’s initial purpose of their existence. They both believe the theory that humans were created by God and so were other species. However, Willard believes that humans were created in the image of God which makes them superior to other life forms on earth. Aquinas on the other hand is of the opinion that each life forms was created to serve a particular purpose, hence humans are defined by the way they serve their purpose on earth, to preserve and sustain other life forms. Both philosophers believe in the fact that humans are superior to other species and they are defined by their ability to utilize the knowledge they attain to advance. References Beattie, T. (2012). What does it mean to be human? The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2012/feb/27/thomas-aquinas-what-does-it-mean-to-be-human Rose, C. (2008) What It means to be human. [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.yovisto.com/play/11716 Willard, D. (n.d) What Does it mean to be human? [Audio]. Veritas Forum Read More