PHILOSOPHY DUE IN 2 DAYS
HUMAN NATURE
Rev. Dr. Solomon Waigwa
Who are we?
What are we?
Why are we here?
What are we doing here?
HUMAN NATURE
Human Nature
Greek rationalist thought and Hebrew religious thought became intertwined as Christianity came to theological maturity and planted its roots in Greek soil.
These two thought systems represent the avocado view of human nature in the West.
Is There an Essential Human Nature?
Artichoke
Artichoke
Artichoke
The essence of the avocado is not in its flesh but in its seed.
Avocado
Avocado
The Greek Rationalist Tradition
For Plato and Aristotle, it is our reasoning ability that sets us apart from other creatures. (Allegory of the cave)
Most people are driven by appetites
Second class: driven by emotion: soldiers etc.
Highest level: rulers: who have both appetites and emotions but have cultivated the highest human faculty learning to live according to REASON.
Avocado image
Using our avocado image, it is reason that lies at the core of the human person for both Plato and Aristotle.
Nicomachean Ethics emphasizes the role of reason in determining the golden of proper ethical conduct. Aristotle explains that our passions may
The Judaic and Christian Traditions
The Hebrew Scriptures assert that
Humans are made in the image and likeness of God.
Into the mud of our material stuff, the book of Genesis tells us, the Creator breathed the breath of life.
Humans, in a special way, are believed to share in the divine nature.
Other animals, according to tradition, may have excellent instincts and perhaps even intelligence, but, they are not made in the image and likeness of God.
Ramifications of the avocado image in western culture?
Patriarchy and feminism
Western culture has identified rationality with men and emotionality with women.
DISCUSSION
Consider other issues that arise from the avocado imagery.
Are there any alternative imageries?
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