Human Nature, Political Philosophy, and Myths: Key Concepts
Human Nature, Political Philosophy, and Myths
Rousseau: The Social Animal
Rousseau believed that humans are inherently good and that society corrupts them. He argued that the state of nature, where self-preservation is less detrimental to others, is the most conducive to peace and the most suitable for humankind. Laws became necessary because society introduced a multitude of passions that corrupted the savage man’s focus on self-preservation.
The Political Philosophy of Thomas Hobbes
Hobbes contended that proponents of the republic assume humans are political animals, naturally inclined to society. However, he argued that humans meet in society accidentally, not by nature’s design. He identified three causes of discord in human nature:
- Competition: Drives men to attack for profit.
- Distrust: Drives men to attack for security.
- Glory: Drives men to attack for reputation.
Hobbes concluded that without a common power to inspire fear, humans exist in a state of war, a war of all against all.
The Human Being as a Free Being
Other philosophers emphasize freedom as the defining characteristic of humans. We are human because we are free. This implies that nothing is predetermined in human beings; there is no inherent human nature beyond what individuals choose to make of their lives. As the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset stated, “Man has no nature; he has history.” Similarly, the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre asserted that man is condemned to be free.
The Human Being as a Spiritual Being
Plato posited that the soul, upon the death of the body, is reincarnated. He believed that the body hinders the soul, offering distractions and preventing wisdom. Therefore, we must purify ourselves by separating the body from the soul, allowing the soul to retreat within itself and liberate itself, which is death.
Understanding Myths
A myth is a story lacking definitive proof of its truth or falsehood. Belief in myths varies, leading to endless debates, such as those surrounding paranormal phenomena and religion. The interpretation of a myth depends on the specific myth in question.
Anthropogeny is the study of human origins, encompassing more than just human evolution.
Cosmogony is any scientific theory concerning the origin of the cosmos or the reality of sentient beings.
The Greek Myth of Prometheus: An Example
According to Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, but he was caught and punished for his transgression.