Final answer:
It is true that human nature is often presented as deeply flawed in philosophical and religious teachings, offering a perspective that humans are inherently bad without societal structures to contain this nature, while other philosophies acknowledge the subjective nature of good and evil and human capacity for rationality and improvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The perception of human nature as deeply flawed is A. True, according to certain philosophical and religious perspectives. Specifically, many conservatives like Joseph de Maistre viewed human nature as inherently bad, an idea also influenced by the Catholic doctrine of original sin. This view suggests that without structures such as a strong monarchy, nobility, and church, human beings would gravitate towards evil and depravity. However, this is not the only perspective, as other philosophical views argue that the ideas of 'good' and 'evil' are abstract, varying by time and place, and what is considered 'human' includes a propensity to create such abstractions.
Philosopher David Hume suggested that concepts of good and evil change over time, indicating that human nature is not solely prone to evil but can also be constructive, as evidenced by the progression of societal norms and beliefs. Plato, another philosopher, highlighted the duality of humanity and imperfection, emphasizing that the material world, including human beings, is a flawed copy of an ideal realm. This complexity of human nature is captured in the different philosophical schools of thought that recognize both the potential for unethical behavior and the capacity for rationality, peace, and improvement.