Try
to address 2 or 3 of the following prompts. Respond to 1 or 2 of your
classmates' postings. This prompt is meant to help you prepare to write
your final essay about human nature.
- What is human nature?
- Which of the theories of human nature in the Stevenson book do you find most persuasive and why?
- Why is a conception of human nature of important? What does it do for us?
- What ought we to do? How ought we live?
- What kind of society should we have?
- Who is responsible for what and why?
- What kind of economic & political system is just?
- What have you learned about death & dying that is important to you? Is surprising to you? Has this helped you reflect on the meaning of life?
- What does life mean?
- Am I living a good life?
- What is death?
- What’s my legacy?
What have you learned about death & dying that is important to you? Is surprising to you? Has this helped you reflect on the meaning of life?
ReplyDeleteI have learned that the definition of death is different for everyone, we talked about this when we talked about if a person is pronounced dead when their heart stops beating vs. when their brain stops functioning. Regardless of which definition of death you believe in, I think it encourages people to talk about the end of life with their loved ones. I made me think deeper about the end of life decisions and how these will impact my loved ones. I think a living will is so important not only because it makes sure the dying person is getting what they want, but it also takes the weight off of loved ones when deciding what to do in that situation. I also have learned through dying and dying that physician assisted suicide impacts more than just the person. Whether one believes PAS is right or wrong, the decision is up to the dying person and they need to put their wishes in writing. Death and dying has taught me that life is precious and you never know when it will be your time to go or your loved ones time, it has helped me reflect on the meaning of life. Personally, I still don't have an exact definition of what the meaning of life is, there are so many different perspectives that play into that definition (Scientific philosophical, theological) but I think it comprises of living life to the fullest and loving as much as possible.
Who is responsible for what and why?
I think we as individuals are responsible for what happens in our lives. Sure, there are going to be things in our life that we can't control, but we can choose to make the best out of the situation. We make our own choices and based on that there is an outcome, and whatever happens- we have to take responsibility for that action, whether it is good or bad. No body else is held accountable for the decisions we make, we always have a choice. I can choose to do my homework or not, to go to work, to eat healthy or not, etc. I can't blame someone else if those tasks don't get done. However, this brings up the topic of children, technically, we are not adults and on our own until 18 (though this does vary quite a bit). Up until 18 years old, our caregivers make our decisions for us or heavily influence our choices so they are responsible for raising the children and teaching them rules. The children can however make a decision to follow the rules or break them. Most of the time, it was our choice to have children so we have to take the responsibility to care for that child.
What is my legacy?
My legacy is will continue to live on after I am dead. My legacy could be achieved in many different aspects- whether it be parts of me that have lived on through my work, friends, or my children. My legacy would consists of the positive things I have done- leadership, values, etc. My legacy will focus on the important things I did for others that could set an example for them to follow.
I like what you said about us being responsible for what happens in our lives, I couldn't agree more, even though they are things we cannot control, we can chose to make the best out of a bad situation. I agree we always have a choice no matter how bad the situation may be.
DeleteI like what you had to say about we are the ones responsible for our own lives and I couldn’t agree more. Like you mentioned, some events are out of our control, but it is how we deal with the events thrown our way that forms our lives. We make decisions, or not, based on the potential outcomes and we know we have to accept the responsibility for whatever may come with that decision or lack of decision. I think for a lot of people today, we have a hard time taking responsibility for the bad things. If something bad happens, we will put the blame on someone else to try and save ourselves the trouble of the consequences, but when something good happens we make sure everyone knows we were responsible. Responsibility is a constant thing; we can’t pick and choose when to accept it. I like how you mentioned younger children and being under 18 and how technically, our parents or guardians are responsible for us.
DeleteWhat does life mean?
ReplyDeleteI think there are multiple answers to this question still. Life could be defined as the condition that creates the separation between animals and plants and inorganic matter. Life includes the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continuous change before death. However, there is more than just being alive or existing. Life could also mean fulfillment of this existence. One could be alive but not living or experiencing their surroundings to the fullest. As we discussed in class one could be alive but not living if they were in a vegetative state. Just in this scenario I would say there are two definitions of the word life. The person is alive, yes, meaning their body is living in that it is continuing it's regular maintenance. However, the person is not living life. Being stuck in a vegetative state is a poor quality of life.
What is death?
Death, like life, has more than one definition. As discussed in our first paper death can occur at the moment in time when the circulatory and respiratory systems fail to function. It could also mean when the consciousness of the brain stops working. While your circulatory and respiratory systems could remain working your conscious brain activity could end the your quality of life would essentially be nonexistent and some would consider you dead. I would day death occurs when your ability to live and experience life ends.
What is my legacy?
I am not entirely sure what my legacy will be yet but if I had to pick something right now it would be the cliche "I want to make a positive impact of the people and world around me." But it's true, I do want to make a positive impact on those around me and I don't know who wouldn't. Death is scary and most can't face it, but I think everyone wants to be remembered, especially for all the good they've done. I think the best legacy I could leave would be to be a role model for someone. There could be no better compliment than someone looking to you as an example on how to live their life.
I agree with you on not being sure what your legacy will be yet, it can always change. I also think death is scary and it terrifies me personally but I agree everyone wants to be remembered and most people would prefer it to be for the good they did in their lifetime. I also agree with you on the definition of death, I think death occurs when you can no longer live, really live with experiences and relationships. It wouldn't be much of a life to lay in a bed and not know what is going on.
DeleteI agree, being remembered as a role model for someone else for positive and right reasons would be a legacy I want to leave behind.
DeleteJosie,
DeleteI agree there is more to life than just simply existing. Being alive doesn't mean we are making the most of our life. Also, I agree that I want people to think of me in a positive way. I also what to be a role model and someone that people can look up to.
What does life mean?
ReplyDeleteI think life has a different meaning for everyone. People look at life differently, have different views of how to live life and value life differently. Life to me is about experiences, relationships and living the best life you can so at the end of the time on earth you don't have many regrets. Life also is always changing, you grow as a person, you change throughout your lifetime all the way up to your death. Life also needs to be lived to the fullest, get all the experiences in that you can, value the time you have with your loved ones and follow your dreams because life is to short to settle.
What is death?
Death is the end of a life a end of a journey that someone has been on. There are many different views on what death is as a social view and a biologic view. The biology side would say that it is the end of a living organism, dying when the body fails. The sociologic view would say that once the brain function is gone a person is technically dead. I agree with the social view, once a person is no longer mentally there after they had lived a normal healthy life, once they no longer can think, or talk just lay in a bed they are dead, that is death. Death is another journey after life, and what lies beyond death I still do not know what I believe, but I can only hope there is something beyond death.
What’s my legacy?
I am not sure what my legacy is yet, I know what I want to leave behind right now but that could change. I want to help people, to have a positive impact on people around me and possible save a few peoples lives. I want to help put an end or at least prevent a few people from committing suicide, this is something I have wanted to do an I know will not change. I want to be remembered as a good person, a happy person one that would do anything for anyone. I want to leave behind children, and I hope to have had an amazing family who loved me dearly. I want people to remember me, when I die I don't want my memory to die. Death is scary and I just hope I can leave behind a good legacy, one I will be remembered for.
I liked what you had to say about life because I completely agree wit you. I also think that is all about experiences and just living life to the fullest because you never truly know when your last day may be so you might as well live it up while you can and try to make the best of it by following your dreams and appreciating the time that we have with loved ones. We only have one life, so live it well.
DeleteI like what you said about what life means to you and I agree with your viewpoint. Life is what we make it and it is completely up to us to make our lives whatever we want them to be. Our lives are guided by experiences and relationships and how they affect us in the long run. I also agree with your statement of living life to the fullest- we don’t get any do-overs so we better be sure to live our lives the way we want.
DeleteI completely agree with what you had to say about what death is. Death encompasses many things and can not be defined in one way. I had the same viewpoint on death.
DeleteBefore starting this course, I used to believe that death matched up the what biology states. However, after taking this course, hearing other people's thoughts, and watching different films and documentaries, I would have to agree with you and the sociological view. It is the quality of life, not the quantity of life. I do not want to be kept running on a ventilator and other tubes, when I cannot have conversations or hold my loved ones or make memories or contribute in anyway to society. What kind of life is that?
DeleteAm I living a good life?
ReplyDeleteAs I read this question and reflect on my own life, I would say that overall I am currently living a good life. What I consider living a good life may be different from what others think living a good life means for them. I do believe that I am living a good life. I believe this because everyday I am fortunate enough to live another day, going to college, have family and friends by my side, and so much more.
What’s my legacy?
My legacy is what I will leave behind when I am finally gone and what I'll be remembered by. Every day I am making my own legacy by all of things that I have accomplished as well as my impact that I have left on this earth and others. I hope before I die that I do leave behind something positive about myself. I also hope that what I do in my life will be shown throughout other generations such as my kids, and grandkids one day for others to follow.
What kind of economic & political system is just?
ReplyDeleteI believe that a just economic and political system takes care of its people first. I love the Affordable care act and what it provides to those who don't or cant afford to have health insurance. I believe providing health insurance for people of a country is right and just.
What does life mean?
Life means whatever you want it too. You can live your life however you want. How you want to live your life is up to.
Jake, I agree that life is what you make it. We choose how we want to live our lives.
DeleteI agree with what you have to say about what life means. I like how you kept it simple and to the point, but I do also believe life means a lot more than that.
DeleteI agree that life is what you make it, but I think its more than that. You can live however you want of course but that doesn't mean that in the end you will be satisfied with the way that you live. I think it takes more consideration than that, but I like your care free way of thinking at the same time!
DeleteI definitely agree with you on the life aspect. Life is basically something that may be laid out for us, but we can alter it to make it better or for worse.
DeleteWhat is death?
ReplyDeleteTo me, death is the loss of what makes us who we are and the failure of our bodies to work. If your heart and lungs can no longer function, then you are dead. If you are in an irreversible comatose state with no brain function, and essentially the loss of ‘you’, then you are dead. There are several definitions of what death is that we discussed in class and personally I could justifiably agree with several of them. Death, in a nutshell, is when you physically and/or mentally cease to exist.
What have you learned about death & dying that is important to you? Is surprising to you? Has this helped you reflect on the meaning of life?
I think the most important thing I have learned about death and dying from this class is that it is ok to talk about and think about your own death. It is a really touchy subject for a lot of people, and before this class I really hadn’t given it any thought. I have learned that it is ok, and actually a good thing to do. When you think about your death, you can prepare yourself and your loved ones. One thing we talked about that I had never really thought of before was the living will, and I think it is a really good idea to make one while you are still physically and mentally able to. That way, if anything were to happen, whether it be with age or some kind of accident, your family knows what you want. I think my newfound willingness to talk/think about my death is surprising to me, as I said I have never really given it any thought. However in thinking about it, it has made me reflect on my life- the actions I have taken to get me to where I am and the path that I want to continue on. I have also learned the different definitions of what people consider ‘death’ to be- whether it is based off of physical parameters or mental for example. I was also surprised when talking about PAS and the different opinions people have on the subject. Thinking about all of this has made me think of the meaning of life, which I believe to be just living each day like you won’t get another one, having no regrets, and always looking for the good in things.
What is my legacy?
When I die, I want to leave behind a legacy that the people close to me in my life would be proud of. I want to be known for making a difference in people’s lives; for being passionate and giving my all in everything I do. I want to be remembered for not only my good times but also for the bad ones and how I learned from them. I know my life isn’t going to be perfect, but I want to leave behind a legacy that the family and friends I leave behind will remember me for.
Emily,
DeleteI agree that I have also learned that death is ok to talk about. Like you said it is a good thing to know what type of plans your loved ones have to ensure their needs are met when the time comes. Understanding the medical field can be difficult for people who are not in it and pre-planning will help them to better understand their options.
Em, I completely agree about realizing death is ok to talk about. Before this class it seemed like such a sensitive subject but now that I have considered my wishes and learned more on the topic I realize that we should all be talking about it with our loved ones before it is too late. Even if it is a sensitive subject for some. Its a part of life and cannot be ignored.
Deletehuman nature is the way we act upon things and they way we live in society. Human nature entails a lot surrounding how we as human react certain situations. Our human nature is what makes us do certain things we do. Human nature is something that comes natural to us, it something we see and repeat. It can also be something that we are taught by where we live.
ReplyDeleteWe should life in a society that is always building and moving forward. It should be a society that cares about the people living with in it. Society should be a place that benefits all and tries to do no harm. A society is at its best when the people living in it are at theirs and always moving towards things to helps benefit everyone. We should be living in a society that is hardworking and intelligent.
Death is a process for all the people involved. Death is hard to define inn the society that we live in. Death is defined differently based on what aspect your are trying to define it with. I see death as an end to the person controlling the body. Death is harder on the living than the dying.
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ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWhich of the theories of human nature in the Stevenson book do you find most persuasive and why?
The Confucius theory of human nature advocated that all human beings have the capacity to cultivate virtue and bring themselves into the harmony with the Decree of Heaven. He acknowledged that all human beings are potential sages but that the odds of meeting a sage are very low and that most people live in a dreadful manner. He made it clear that we had no control over our destiny but that as human beings we are very to reject or choose morality and proper conduct, we have the ability to pursue the Decree of Heaven or reject it if we choose, the choice is ours. We always have a choice as to how we choose to live in any given situation. He believed that all human beings are fundamentally the same we just become differentiated by our different ways of living. He implied that human beings are malleable creatures; we can become almost anything we aspire to be from constant molding to achieve our ultimate end game, so to speak. He also placed emphasis on acknowledging that the environment in which we live in molds us to a degree as well as our actions and decisions. In his opinion human life without carefully crafted culture produces disastrous results. On these points I can agree with the Confucius theory of human nature, I do believe that all humans are fundamentally born the same with similar ideals of what is right and wrong and whether we choose to pursue more developed virtues whether religiously based or not is our individual decision. I also agree that our environment shapes some of who we are but I do not think that it has the biggest impact on a person’s life as some would think. Two siblings can come from the exact same upbringing and one can become a doctor who seeks a Decree of Heaven and one can become a drug dealer with little to no virtues, after a certain age and a certain amount of experiences I believe it becomes a matter of personal choices of each individual. I do however acknowledge that based on the economical standing each person is born into it can commend or condemn the amount of opportunities one can receive in pursuit of a successful life. But as Confucius states, we as humans can be virtually anything we aspire to be.
What have you learned about death & dying that is important to you? Is surprising to you? Has this helped you reflect on the meaning of life?
I have learned that death and dying is a process, it not just a destination of where we end up. It is a process that should be given thought far before we are ever faced with it. If we don’t consider end of life treatment or the ways we wish for things to happen nearing our death then we may never have the chance to and we will leave these decisions to be made by someone else. Something I think I discovered from watching the movies, documentaries, and books discussed in class was that it was often the people who had not given thought to death and dying that were reflecting regretfully on their life’s accomplishments and the way that they had lived. For example, the death of Ivan Ilych, he had not thought about his life and the way he lived because he had never been made too. Only after being diagnosed with a terminal illness did he consider the way he had lived and his accomplishments. Not only did this class make me think about what I wanted for my end of life wished but also it made me realize that you can’t wait until you are dying to realize that you didn’t live your life in a meaningful way. If you consider death before you are faced with it then it allows you to make changes and consider new ways of living that will be less regretful when death is approaching.
Theory of Human Nature:
ReplyDeleteReasons, Causes, and Free Will
The Human theory that I found to be most interesting was Kant’s philosophy about our fundamental sources of our mind. Kant says “Our knowledge springs from two different fundamental sources of the mind. The first is the capacity for receiving representations; the second is the power of knowing an object through these representations. Through the first an object is given to us, through the second the object is thought (pg. 149). Kant’s main points are that knowledge stems from two fundamental sources in our minds. Meaning that seeing an object as it actually appears and being able to think about how to classify that visual object. In order to increase our growth of perceptual knowledge we must experience objects outside of the mind, doing this will create a sensory state caused by those objects. Kant’s analysis says that animals have the sensibility to gain perceptual knowledge but it is assumed that animals lack understanding. The example is that animals can get hurt but lack the ability to understand why they are hurt, or know that they have pain; they are not able to communicate like humans do. A better understanding of this is that animals are not able to say that they love something or another animal is a predator. The main understandings for this are human’s ability to cognitively think and reason. This idea helps to explain natural phenomena. Example on pg. 150 we often want to know why something happens, so we try to explain one fact, or one regularity, in terms of others. Another example is when a cat is chasing a mouse; the cat’s behavior is not justifying this as a mouse but as a source of food. Kant says some of our reasons for action involve only our own desire and factual beliefs. For example I want B, and I believe that A is the best way to achieve B, therefore I should do A. As humans we able to think, categorize, judge others, and rationalize. We understand why we take care of our young, and how to get to work at the same time every day. Kant labels this as “hypothetical imperative” (pg. 151). Kant believed that humans as free, rational being who can make choices that are not predetermined: above all, we are capable of acting on moral reasons, not just on self-interested desires. Pure practical reason or morality is a function of our reason, not just our feelings. One example of this type of situation is that we have the decision to make choices that may be based by moral code. Kant’s analysis says we make choices as humans without further reduction to physical causation. Example: We may feel influences from our personal desires, but our choices that we make are not determined by them. Kant acknowledges the frailty of human nature our difficulty in doing what we know we ought to do and our impurity, or tendency to confuse or adulterate moral reasons with other motives.(pg. 156) He wants us to understand that we are inclined to do good things as humans but not to delay our own happiness from it.
What is human nature?
ReplyDeleteHuman nature is how humans go about their everyday lives acting in a rational way. We act a way in which it is proper to act and only do it through the way we are brought up in our society. WE do things because we were brought up though way of doing them either through the beleifs of our parents or by just acting the "right" way. Everything we do is natural so we do it a certain way. For example, we wake up every morning and brush our teeth or shower before starting our day. It is in our nature to do those things on a consistent daily basis.
Who is responsible for what and why?
You as an individual is responsible for everything you do. We are responsible because as a mature human being we decide what is right and what is wrong. The decisions we make are determined through our upbringing and ancestors. No one should take responsibility for your own actions because it is based upon yourself to make those choices even if you know they are the wrong choices. Why are we responsible? we are responsible for the why because we are the ones who choose to make choice. As children we allow our guardian or parents make the choices that are right for ourselves and as we grow older those choices are reflected on how we decide them when we are older adults.
What is death?
Death is something that should never be taken lightly or for granted. I believe that life is a gift, therefore death should be taken seriously. It surrounds us in everyday life even if we don't want to recognize it. We are in control of own death and its in our control to live a fulfilling life because you never know when it can happen.
What kind of society should we have?
ReplyDeleteI believe that we should live in a society that is respectful, plain and simple. I think our society would drastically change for the better if people could live in toleration and acceptance of one another, despite religion, race, sex, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. People do not have to agree with or believe in everything that the person next to them is doing or how they are living, but if people were just respecting and understanding, instead of disgracing someone who is different than them, I think that day to day interactions could be better.
What does life mean?
To me, life means more than just existing. To live is to experience relationships with friends and family, to love and be loved. To experience happiness and compassion and to want to share those emotions with others. To see the beauty of nature, life, films, music. But to live is not always as glamorous as the previous. To live is to also experience less attractive things such as tragedy, heartbreak, or sadness. Being alive is having both positive and negative experiences and growing and learning from what has happened in the past. Living is to constantly being changing and evolving and contributing with the world around you.
What’s my legacy?
I hope my legacy is one of lightheartedness. In all my relationships, I’m always trying to make the people around me experience happiness and to not take life so seriously. I just think that life does not have to be as stressful as we make it out to be and wherever I can, I just like to remind people that life is more enjoyable when you are happy and laughing. I would like to be remembered for that.
What is life?
ReplyDeleteI believe life is a plan that was given to us by God and we are on a path that will lead us to our soul purpose in life you know. Yet, the path will have obstacles and turns we will have to make to get where we want to be. Life isn't something perfect but something that will make or you break as a person. We need to realize we can make are lives turn into great things but, people tend to hang there heads down when something doesn't go there way at all. That is what makes a person strong and conquer the true meaning of life itself.
What is my legacy?
ReplyDeleteI would hope that I leave a legacy that will inspire people. I want to be known for something that let his actions speak louder than his words ever did. To let people known that if you give your all into everything and stay positive just as I did, then everything will fall into place