PH 300 - Human Nature in European Thought

A conception of human nature underlies our understanding of social behaviour in an array of disciplines from psychology to philosophy, political science to history. This course takes a philosophical approach in reflecting on different conceptions of human nature in European thought. Through time many thinkers have advanced different models of human nature. Some have argued that humans are determined by biological processes; others have maintained that we are connected to some form of divinity. There are those who believe we are by nature good, as well as those who make the opposite case. Finally, some models of human nature suggest that our nature is grounded in how we act: do we apply reason in acting? What ends do we aim for in acting? Do we seek
merely to survive or dominate our environment, or do we wish to act according to some conception of the good life? And, if so, is this concept inherent in our nature? This course will explore the aforementioned and have students consider the possibility of human nature changing in the face of technological advancements, in order to ask what, if anything, separates humans from other sentient beings such as animals and robots. Assuming that human nature is essentially social, the course concludes with having students reflect on community and love.