Human Nature

Human nature is a complex concept that has been debated for centuries. Some argue that humans lack an essence, while others suggest that human nature can be understood through non-essentialist approaches. This Element argues that both approaches are misguided and proposes a trait cluster account of human nature, which holds that human nature is based on the distribution of traits over our life histories. This account aligns human nature with the human sciences, making the study of human nature the central concern of these disciplines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Human nature is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history. It is often used to characterize our species and differentiate us from other animals. However, the nature of human nature itself remains a subject of much contention. Some argue that human nature is an essence, a fundamental quality that defines us as a species. They believe that because humans lack an essence, they also lack a nature. On the other hand, others argue for non-essentialist ways of understanding human nature, which typically aim to provide criteria for sorting human traits into one of two bins: those that belong to our nature and those that are outside of it.

The essentialist approach posits that human nature is a fixed and universal entity that is inherent in all individuals. It suggests that our nature determines our behavior, values, and beliefs, and that we are incapable of changing who we are. The trait bin approach, on the other hand, argues that human nature is not a fixed entity but rather a collection of traits that are distributed over our (actual and possible) life histories. These traits can be influenced by various factors, such as genetics, environment, and socialization.

The author of this Element takes a different approach to understanding human nature. They develop a trait cluster account of human nature, which holds that human nature is based on the distribution of our traits over our (actual and possible) life histories. This account suggests that human nature is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic and evolving process. It aligns human nature with the human sciences, rendering the central concern of the human sciences to be the study of human nature.

One benefit of this trait cluster account is that it provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of human nature. It recognizes that human traits are not fixed or universal but rather can vary and change over time. It also acknowledges that human nature is influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, environment, and socialization.

Another benefit of this account is that it aligns human nature with the broader scientific understanding of nature. The human sciences, including biology, psychology, and sociology, have traditionally focused on the study of nature in the broader sense, including the natural world and other animals. By aligning human nature with the human sciences, we can better understand the complex and interconnected relationships between humans and the natural world.

In conclusion, human nature is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history. While some argue for an essentialist approach, which posits that human nature is a fixed and universal entity, others argue for a non-essentialist approach, which suggests that human nature is a collection of traits that are distributed over our (actual and possible) life histories. The author of this Element develops a trait cluster account of human nature, which holds that human nature is based on the distribution of our traits over our (actual and possible) life histories. This account provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of human nature and aligns human nature with the broader scientific understanding of nature. It recognizes that human traits are not fixed or universal but rather can vary and change over time and that human nature is influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, environment, and socialization.

Weight: 112g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108716062