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What does it mean to be human

Consider.......
What characteristics go with being human?
Are there set physical characteristics?
Are there set emotional characteristics?
Are there set behaviours?
Does the absence of any of the above indicate being non-human? For example, love, a missing limb?

User Mekka
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Being human encompasses various dimensions, including physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects. Some characteristics commonly associated with being human include:

1. Physical characteristics: Humans typically have a bipedal stance, a large brain relative to body size, opposable thumbs, and complex cognitive abilities that allow for advanced problem-solving and language use.

2. Emotional characteristics: Humans experience a wide range of emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and empathy. Emotional intelligence and the ability to form deep interpersonal connections are also defining features of being human.

3. Behavioral characteristics: Humans exhibit a diverse array of behaviors, including curiosity, creativity, altruism, and the capacity for moral reasoning. We also engage in complex social interactions and cultural practices.

While certain physical characteristics, like those mentioned above, are common among humans, variations can exist due to factors such as genetics and environmental influences. For example, the absence of a limb does not make someone non-human; it merely represents a physical difference or disability.

Emotional characteristics and behaviors can also vary widely among individuals due to personality, upbringing, and life experiences. Love, for instance, is a deeply human emotion, but the ways it is expressed and experienced can differ among people.

Ultimately, being human is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses a broad spectrum of physical, emotional, and behavioral attributes. The absence or presence of specific traits does not determine someone's humanity; it is our shared humanity that connects us as a species.
User TransGLUKator
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