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What does it mean to have a human nature (describe the two components of the human person)?

a) Physical and Emotional
b) Body and Soul
c) Intelligence and Creativity
d) Conscience and Morality

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Having a human nature encompasses the dualistic view of the body and soul, which are the physical and spiritual components of humans. Philosophers like Descartes and Hobbes offer differing perspectives on the relationship between these aspects. The interaction between the body and a spiritual entity remains a complex and debated topic within philosophy.

Step-by-step explanation:

To have a human nature means to possess the inherent qualities that define what it is to be human. This is often understood in terms of dualistic components: the body and soul. The body refers to our physical substance or matter, while the soul or mind represents our spiritual or non-physical substance. This dualist view, which posits that humans are composed of two kinds of substances, is part of a broader debate in philosophy and theology where materialism and monism offer contrasting viewpoints by suggesting only physical matter exists. Philosophers like René Descartes have argued that the soul or mind is essential to the human person, while thinkers like Thomas Hobbes have taken a more materialistic view. The line between the natural and supernatural is often grey, illustrating the diverse perspectives regarding the interaction between the body and a spiritual entity. Moreover, the complexity of human behavior, decisions, and the uniqueness of individuals underscore the intricate nature of human existence that goes beyond mere physicality. Aristotle's functional conception of the soul adds another dimension to understanding human nature, defining it in terms of its capability for reason, on top of vegetative and animalistic functions. The diversity of views on the soul reflects the complexity of its place within or alongside the human body - an issue that continues to prompt philosophical inquiry and debate.

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