(March 12, 2015 at 7:45 pm)Cato Wrote:(March 12, 2015 at 6:21 pm)Ignorant Wrote: But also, for a philosophy which takes on the term "humanism", is it really odd to expect a robust answer of what it means "to be human"?
Yes, because the knowledge of what it means "to be human" is ostensible. An understanding of philosophy, taxonomy, genetics, anthropology, etc., is not required.
If you say so. There are others here who responded to the question without considering it an odd expectation. You know, you don't have to participate in a discussion that you find silly. I accept that you think I am ignorant. Thanks for your time.
(March 12, 2015 at 7:52 pm)Nestor Wrote: If we're gonna slice it that way I think we would probably want to extricate the human brain.
Would you mind elaborating a bit?
(March 12, 2015 at 8:46 pm)Jenny A Wrote: You might take a moment to read the Wikipedia entry. Notice that what humanism means has changed over time and that there is such a thing a theistic humanism. You might also read the entry on Secular Humanism
I really appreciate your suggestions, but I am more interested in how regular individuals (even though I am sure most of you are much more that "regular") understand their own worldviews (e.g. secular humanism). Of course I could read about it in books and articles, but I much prefer hearing about it from people in their own words.
Quote:If what you really want to know is how my definition of human differs from most theists I know, the answer is really very simple: their definition includes a soul and mine does not.
That really isn't what I wanted to know. I just wanted to know more about what your definition of human is. If someone asked you what it "meant" to be human, what would you tell them? You already gave a great start to an answer in your original reply. I am trying to respond to everyone on their own terms.
(March 12, 2015 at 10:58 pm)Rhythm Wrote: I walk my kids up my lane out to the state road to get mail and send their letters to their great grand parents off...I'd say that this activity distinguishes me as a human.
Now here is an interesting angle! So the sorts of relationships we have with others is a defining characteristic? Is there anything more you can say about that?
(March 13, 2015 at 4:06 am)robvalue Wrote: Labels like "human" are an arbitrary way of grouping together various species. So really, being human is being part of that group. And again, whatever traits may be be involved in being human will not be unique to just humans.
So "humanity" or "human nature" or anything like that are merely naming conventions? Did I understand that correctly?
Quote:Why not check this out:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human
Well, because I want to know what you think, not what wikipedia says. =)
Quote:I think what you are really asking is what makes Homo sapiens different from other known species. Right? That would cut out a lot of confusion here, at least the kind of confusion caused by anal little pedants like me. Otherwise you're arbitrarily including some of our ancestors which may or may not be "human" as you like to imagine the concept.
I am asking you to answer the question in the way you think makes the most sense. If the question doesn't make sense, then it is enough to say just that. Thanks!
