...Mencius and Xunzi on Human Nature Mencius and Xunzi both follow Confucian philosophy yet have a dramatically different understanding of human nature. Additionally, the two philosophers make their arguments in strikingly different literary methods. Mencius believes that the “goodness of human nature is like the downward course of water” (147) in that people are naturally inclined to be good, and he makes this argument through conversations among friends and public figures. In contrast, Xunzi staunchly argues that “Human nature is evil” (179) and through essays claims that human nature’s only “goodness derives from the conscious activity” (179). The two philosophers both use many metaphors to explain their own interpretation of human nature in different ways. By exploring the philosophies of these two great Confucian thinkers, one better understands the multitude of ways human nature can be explained in Confucianism throughout Chinese history. As the “single most influential contributor to a view of human nature in Confucianized East Asia” (116), Mencius’ philosophy is fundamental. Mencius argues that human nature is good, and “ru” teachings furthered natural tendencies. To explain the natural goodness of human nature Mencius shows that “the goodness of human nature is like the downward course of water.” By this he claims, “there is no human being lacking in the tendency to do good, just as there is no water lacking in the tendency to flow downward” (147). Furthermore he...
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...Mencius' philosophy about human nature improves upon Taoism and Confucianism in that it is more rational in concern with the human's development in relation to it's environment. Taoists believed that humans did not need cultural refinement, adjustment, or molding based on an external environment, but that it was only their pre-existing natural inborn goodness that needed to be tapped into. Confucians (like the Xunzi for example) thought that people were born innately evil. Mencius improved upon both of those by claiming the natural genetic state of humans is good only with the potential of the environment to develop that natural goodness. Mencius' message did not entail that all humans are born good, but that humans are born with certain positive instinctual temperaments that are made good by personal development and molding from interaction with the environment. Within the analogy of the four germ sprouts, Mencius states four potentials that are hardwired into human genes; “From the feeling of commiseration benevolence grows; from the feeling of shame righteousness grows; from the feeling of courtesy ritual grows; from a sense of right and wrong, wisdom grows. People have these four germs, just as they have four limbs”. These views on human behavior point more toward modern psychology/sociology because they accept that innate human states are less significant than their position within the context of an influence from their environment. Mencius responds to Gaozi's...
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...tease him? Or say he has a hard time keeping his grades up? Those things are going to have an impact on him as much, if not more, than his relationship with his parents. Also, if he lives in a bad neighborhood and his peers are using drugs or alcohol, that could be a big influence on how he deals with his problems. Of course, I believe that it will be a great protective factor for him if he does have parents that will support him. But if the situation were reversed, I feel that if his relationship with his parents is not a very good one, then the proper support from his friends and teachers could be a big help to him. Before this class, I never really considered what a major influence a child's environment can have. I knew about the "nature vs. nurture" theory, but I would have thought that the child's parents would have the most influence on them. But after examining all aspects of a child's life, I feel that a child's peers, school and community are even more important. References Baumrind, Diana (2003, August) Parenting Styles. Retrieved April 7, 2006, from http://www.devpsy.org/teaching/parent/baumrind_styles.html Dinwiddie, Sue (2000, April 20) Effective Parenting Styles. Retrieved April 7, 2006, from http://kidsource.com/better.world.press/parenting.html World Works. Parenting and Discipline. Life Matters. Retrieved April 7, 2006 from...
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...they are young. For this reason their nurture and occupations should be fixed by law; for they will not be painful when they have become customary. But it is surely not enough that when they are young they should get the right nurture and attention: since they must, even when they are grown up, practise and be habituated to them, we shall need laws for this as well, and generally speaking to cover the whole of life; for most people obey necessity rather than argument, and punishments rather than the sense of what is noble. (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book X, chapter 10) This is a very important quote coming from Nicomachean Ethics, Book X, chapter 10, where Aristotle tries to explain that most young people don’t tend out of their own nature to act virtuous. But not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know to act in this way. We need to train, drill, and educate the youth of this generation to act in a virtuous way. Aristotle believes children should be taught at all times whether at school or at home to act in the correct ways. When these children are young they need education and habituation, Aristotle preaches throughout Book X, chapter 10. Virtue naturally brings pleasure at virtuous acts, but its active exercise, as needed for happiness, depends to some extent on goods outside the human’s control. Just like children, adults also don’t automatically tend to virtue themselves and don’t follow arguments. Adults seem to live more of a self-centered lifestyle...
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...ESSAY: STAGE 1 NATURE VS NURTURE Intro Nature VS Nurture has been a long going debate for many of centuries. Many of people have argued for what side they think is correct. Psychologists such as; Many other studies have been done When in psychology we talk about Nature this means our genetics, what we are born with. Nurture refers to how we have experienced life and how as a child how parents have brought us up. Environmental factors also contribute to Nurture. Many studies have been done in this debate, in the studies there have been twins separated at birth. The twins were moved to opposite sides of the world with completely different family types. When the twins were reunited some aspects of them were the same but things like their beliefs and look on life were different Nature normally refers to our genetics. What we are born with; we may be born with a chemical imbalance causing us to be more depressed then happy or we may have a bad temper. Some genetic mental disease may run through the family such as depression or bipolar. Researcher’s studies people and their relatives because they share most genes so the studies they conduct see whether or not their characteristics are similar. Identical twins have the same genes, so this may be Nature but they usually are treated the same and grow up in the same environment. Nurture is usually the environment we are brought up in; we may be brought up on the streets which can cause us to become aggressive because you had to...
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...commitment to act in a certain manner | deontological, (add more)utilitarianism | C | If a Marines always follows orders, he will become a great leader. | Goal-based Ethics | There is an intricate design to the universe, and their goal is to achieve the most perfect society possible. | telelogical, (add more)Consequentialism,utilitarianism | B | Becoming a colonael in the Marines. | Rights-based Ethics | Certain things are acceptable in a community because most people in the community agree the behavior is acceptable. | justice, equality, (add more)Contractarianism, | A | If I worked at an abortion clinic, I would assume that it is the right thing for the individual that walks in. | Human Nature Ethics | Beliefs based on extremes of human behavior—both good and bad | egoism, hedonism, (add more)virtue | D | Every time a women walks by me, I look at her bottom. | Real-world Examples: a. I believe people should be able to eat sand if they like the taste of it. b. I believe that if sand is eaten, then it should be available for everyone to eat. c. I believe people should be able to eat sand because eating sand is the right thing to do. d. I believe people should be able to eat sand because it is good for their...
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...It is the characterization of intense human relationships that continues to captivate audiences of Othello. Explore this statement with reference to one intense human relationship in the play In Shakespeare’s, Othello, it is the tragic downfall of the protagonist which intrigues audiences, exploring elements of the human condition through intricate human interactions. Utilizing the emotional depth of complex human relationships, Shakespeare discusses fundamental human characteristics in passion, desire and revenge, creating the primary drama of the play as audiences consider the relevant nature of Othello’s tragic downfall, as orchestrated by the duplicitous Iago. Othello’s tragic downfall captivates audiences through the intensity of his relationships with other characters. Within Othello, Shakespeare is able to involve the audience in the emotional conflict of the play, as the titular hero is manipulated by his symbiotic relationship with iago, leading to his self-destruction. Throughout the play, Iago relentlessly exploits Othello’s tragic flaw of absolutism through his devilish intellectual superiority, evoking a sense of sympathy as Iago is resolute in turning Othello’s power, reputation and relationships into chaos via human nature. Iago’s contempt for the “thick lips” subsequently leads to the revelation of his expedient and duplicitous character, as he feigns loyalty to the Moor only to, “serve his turn upon him” by “pouring pestilence into his hear”. Iago’s manipulation...
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...Nature Verses Nurture The discussion on the importance of heredity and environment in human development is not new. The nature verses nurture question has been debated for years (Psychology). Nurture side of the debate considers all the environmental influences on an individual after conception. While the nature side of the debate focus on nature that which is inherited, or know as genetics. The nature verse nurture discussion has been a part of the history of psychology that goes back to Francis Galton. Galton was influenced by the book, The Origin of Species written by his cousin, Charles Darwin. The Origin of Species has been criticized for over simplifying two theories of why a lifestyle of wealth, education and privilege seems to be passed on to biological children. Galton takes credit for the phrase in his English Men of Science: Their Nature and Nurture, first published in 1874. In this book he states that nature and nurture are, "a convenient jingle of words, for it separates under two distinct heads the innumerable elements of which personality is composed. Nature is all that a man brings with himself into the world and nurture is every influence that affects him after his birth” (p.12). It is thought that how one is nurtured is what controls the psychological aspects of child development and the concept of growth applies to the biological facets of human life. When infants bonds to the individual(s) bestowing love and affection, she/he has received, she/he...
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...The comparison of human nature and suffering. “Parental love is not like bread that can be broken into pieces and split amongst the children in equal share. A father gives all his love to each one of his children without discrimination, whether it be one or ten. And if I am suffering now for my two sons, I am not suffering half for each of them but double” (93, paragraph 10). In the stories “The Necklace” and “War” some similarities in theme were suffering, human nature, and how one deals with suffering, in plot and characterization. Both authors went to great lengths to bring these characters to life by allowing each of them to openly display their emotions. This kind of open expression allows the reader to effectively analyze the nature of each character. Suffering is universal so we all suffer, albeit in different ways. These characters are no exception, they are all suffering in some way or another, the only difference is the cause of their suffering. In the case of Mathilde in the Necklace, Maupassant portray her as someone lacking all the finer things in life; hence her source of suffering. This character is enduring what could be considered self-inflicted suffering. Her constant need for validation is what makes suffer the most “she burned...
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...Since the beginning of recorded time one has been told that ‘you have your mothers eyes’ or ‘You’re tall like your father’ and it has been accepted that humans inherit their appearance traits from their parents, however where does one get their talent for hockey, their intelligence, or their habits; does one learn these from their environment or were they programmed by genetics? Well this brings to light the age old debate of nature vs. nurture. The Nature and Nurture debate stems into many areas that make humans what they are, with one of those factors being their religion, and when examining religion it is found that nurture trumps nature in shaping the beliefs of oneself. Since the Ancient Egyptians and even before (Mesopotamians) religion and spirituality have existed, there has been a consensual acceptance that there is a God, and when one closes their eyes for the last time, they become one with God, or in some cases; the devil or the ‘netherworld’. Through those times and the times of the Catholic church according to world renowned psychologist Dr Olivera Petrovich; “Religion has become the natural state-it is now hard wired by families into babies brains, it is atheism that is learned”. She bases the mantra of religion being parental based on a study of four hundred B.C. children of different faiths, and many aged four-six Japanese children. When asking all of these children about their faith they all without any guidance from their parents say they believe in God;...
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...Kristina Stockton PSY240 Nature-Nurture Issue I believe it is flawed to ask how much of a particular behavior is due to genetics and how much is due to experience, because there is really no way of telling where a person’s behavior came from. I personally believe that a person’s behavior is determined by both, but more of experience. So therefore, nature and nurture plays a role in a person’s behavior. A person may be born with the same behavioral patterns as their parents, but it might take a certain experience to make the behavior come forth. A person may inherit genes of anger issues or may have the alcoholic gene in their blood. What people experience makes a huge difference on their behavior, because people have different values, morals, and ethical beliefs. They may change their personality based on the good experiences and bad experiences in their life. It is appropriate to separate the contributions of genetics and experience when measuring the development of differences among individuals because every individual carries different genes and is also raised differently. There is really no way of judging what factors will affect behavior in a person, because everyone experiences different things. Nature and nurture will always be an issue, because there is no way of telling what affects a person more. We are all different and I don’t believe that we are suppose to figure out why we are the way we are, because that is going to lead to more scientists...
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...Human Nature Human nature is an intangible idea that no one seems to agree of that which it consists, yet many seem to agree that it does exist. Some philosophers will debate that human nature is inherently good while others will deem human nature as inherently evil. Others think that human nature is to seek the greatest good, happiness, or a moral life. So what makes us human? What separates us as a species yet unites us as well? When searching for universals of humans, many physiological aspects of life can be cited. Human mortality is a largely recognized aspect of being a human. However anything with life, whether it is a plant, animal, man or other, is mortal and has a beginning and an end. So while mortality is something that is found in all humans, it is not exclusively a human quality. We need nourishment to grow and live, but again, so do most other things that have life. We are physically similar, meaning that while there are differences among us, we are all the same species; just as any other species is similar to others in their own species. However, I would consider these qualities as nature, not just human nature. Human nature I believe is something that goes beyond our physiological side. Before I present my argument, I must first define human nature. According to the Oxford Dictionary, human nature is the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans. In...
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...The Humanities is the oldest area of the study in the world, one which originated with the first considerations of human beings about who they were, where they came from, and what they ought to do. It deals with questions fundamental to what it means to be human and what we value. Hence, the Humanities encompasses religious studies, ethics, aesthetics, and the relationship between the personal, the social and the political. There are a number of benefits that may be gained through a study of the Humanities: First, it provides an individual with an opportunity for personal development and the understanding of others. It asks questions about human nature, political and social values, and how we ought to behave, The analysis of important tests helps us to understand the human condition and why it is that we behave as we do. Indeed, the Humanities is very important in giving us an understanding of today’s world. There are a number of profound analyses of preventive war and the nature of colonial authority. Understanding the role of woman in society and gender issues has a long tradition. The nature of sexuality and the morality surrounding it is the subject of a multitude of profound commentaries. The difference between what is and what ought to be is at the centre of great protest literature, art and music. Second, the Humanities teaches about one’s own culture and many others. Through the Humanities, students can gain a deep understanding of one’s own background and knowledge...
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...WHAT DOES STEINBECK WANT HIS READERS TO LEARN ABOUT HUMAN NATURE FROM STUDYING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GEORGE AND LENNIE? In the novella ‘Of Mice and Men’ Steinbeck repeatedly explores the theme of loneliness which plagued many people during the hardship of 1930s America. George and Lennie shed a great amount of light onto the intricacies of human nature through the complex relationship they share and Steinbeck uses this to convey to the reader the importance of friendship, loyalty and trust. George and Lennie are designed by Steinbeck to function as two halves of the same person, they are both complementary and contrasting but when combined form an individual greater than either could be alone. The two men are direct opposites of one another; George is slight and ‘defined’ with ‘restless eyes’ which glow with intelligence and focus whilst Lennie is ‘shapeless’ and his ‘pale eyes’ are filled with a lethargic apathy. Steinbeck forms this unlikely pair to convey to the reader the fact that no one person is ever fully complete, George relies on the physical might of Lennie for protection whilst he guides the larger man with his wily intellect. It is the disparity between the two men which provides the basis for dynamic bond they possess. The two men remain firm friends despite their differences in character and the resulting friction which often leads to the pair being at odds with one another. Lennie’s limited mental capacity is a source of much frustration for George as...
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...sorts. How is nature portrayed throughout the film and how does this relate to human nature and the ways in which humans are portrayed throughout the film James Cameron, the director of Avatar presents a beautiful planet; Pandora in which the inner peace and tranquillity is represented by a Garden of Eden of sorts. He uses techniques such as colour imagery, juxtaposition and a wide range of camera angles, to touch on the prominent themes of destruction, loss, sacrifice and the balance of nature. All of these themes present a destructive portrayal of human nature, whilst presenting the powerful force of nature. Throughout the film destruction portrays that what humans are doing is wrong. The humans are destroying the beautiful planet; Pandora. The humans are bombing the Na'Vi's home tree after they refuse to move, this then results in rebellion by the Na'Vi. One of the scenes to show this and draw the audience in is when Neytiri is running but falls and as she goes to her feet, she looks around and sees her people being slaughtered by the machines of mankind with. Slow motion and dramatic music are used to create a sense of loss. This emphasises the power of destruction that is happening around her as well as the dramatic result on nature leaving the audience in suspense. This makes the audience fearful of the outcome for the Na'Vi people because we have developed empathy for them. This scene of destruction relates directly to Cameron's portrayal of human nature throughout...
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