Introduction
Today, multiple theories exist to explain and evaluate human nature. The theories base the definition of people on reactions, choices, and decisions in different aspects of life. The complexity of the nature of human beings often ignites conflict among philosophers on the concept of human values.
The dynamic and consistent nature of people when in similar situations is the basis of philosophical differences. Therefore, understanding the different philosophic perspectives is crucial when defining self. The Avocado view largely agrees with me as a single white mother and a Christian with deep care for others; however, evaluating other philosopher positions helps in a better understanding of self.
Religion and Philosophy
I have been a Christian for a significant part of my life. Christianity is mostly about accepting a higher and supernatural power to control human nature. My belief in God demonstrates an alteration of my inner self to behave and think differently than before, when it was entirely human instinct. The element of Christianity significantly agrees with the Avocado point of view, which pegs on an inner space that defines humans. Xiang (2019) notes the mention of a soul in arguments on the Avocado view to mean a special segment of the human structure that controls the decision-making and emotions of a person. Humans are different from the rest of nature because of that extra sense that has ultimate control.
The Avocado perspective on comprehension of self is well described through the Avocado fruit. According to Xiang (2019), the philosophy revolves around the avocado seed carrying all information about the fruit. A seed possesses the genetics and all the power necessary to grow into a plant or tree. When an avocado seed germinates and grows into a plant, it is bound to change color, size, or direction based on the environment (Schiffer, 2021). In extreme conditions, the plant might die, but that should not raise questions about the identity of the seed. A plant can tilt to face the sun’s direction or decolorize because of drought but remains an Avocado. In this case, the changes on the plant are outer peels and have nothing to do with the identity of the seed.
Another aspect of Christianity that agrees with the Avocado philosophy is predestination. As a Christian, the supernatural power fore-knew and planned the course of my life. Predestination runs from the family I was born into, the people I encounter daily, my career path, and my kids to how and when I will leave the human world. The Avocado view states that essence determines existence, which aligns with my Christian belief. According to Xiang (2019), what is inside human beings is unchangeable; the inside influences people’s reactions and decisions. Therefore, even the decision to be a Christian and not any other religion was part of the plan, influenced by something on the inside.
The Human Soul
Human beings are unique since everyone has a specific nature. According to the Avocado view, an inner core remains unchanged after peeling the outer layers of any human (Xiang, 2019). The independence philosophy on understanding the self also demonstrates how every individual has a unique nature and acts based on personal convictions (Xiang, 2019). Like other religious views, Christianity teaches of a controlling core in human beings known as the soul (Xiang, 2019). I have colleagues and neighbors among other social groups with whom we interact regularly and face similar changes. However, everyone’s reaction is often different and not because of their gender, class, or sexual orientation.
Factors like sex, race, class, or sexual orientation have a significant influence on how people perceive themselves and how their soul is formed. Thus, these elements form part of oneself, which can shape the awareness and outlooks on personal moments and external circumstances. Some scientists also argue that gender identity is a complex interplay of biology, genetics, hormones, and environment (Fausto-Sterling, 2019). However, it is essential to note that understanding of these issues is still evolving, even if some studies suggest that brain structure and function may influence gender identity (Fausto-Sterling, 2019).
Although some aspects of sex are biologically determined (such as chromosomal differences), gender identity is considered distinct from biological sex. Gender identity refers to a person’s deeply held sense of being male, female, or something else; this sense may or may not correspond to the sex assigned at birth. In fact, people perceive their identities differently; such conversations will be inclusive of biological, mental, and social aspects.
Desire
Desire is a significant aspect of human beings when evaluating decision-making. According to Xiang (2019), desire forms from inner convictions and fundamental guiding principles. The modernist explanation of desire aligns with the Christian perspective of human desires. As a Christian, I have principles to live by, which guide my desires. The understanding that subscribing to Christianity converts human nature means original human desires change to Christian desires. According to the Artichoke view, environmental factors define a person (Schiffer, 2021). However, this is not entirely true; no human lives in a vacuum, hence susceptible to environmental influence, and it is natural to fight off desires that do not align with one’s identity. Sometimes, one tends to compromise beliefs of self and succumb to contradicting desires.
In the 32 years I have served in healthcare, I have regrettably compromised on beliefs on several occasions. While it felt fulfilling then, regret would often follow, proving it was against my nature. Schiffer (2021) demonstrates that human beings are defined by peels of layers that change depending on circumstance or environment. Based on the argument, humans are dynamic and do not have a specific identity. The idea needs to be revised since everyone portrays specific traits that give insight into their identity. It is essential to acknowledge that humans occasionally diverge from the natural path, but this should not be mistaken for the flexibility of human identity.
Theory Critique
Several critiques pose strong arguments against the Avocado view on comprehension of self. According to Schiffer (2021), Aristotle said that irrationality is the reason why men began to dominate women. On the contrary, non-Western critiques demonstrate how women can act on logic and rationale, in some cases, more than men (Schiffer, 2019). Additionally, the philosophers note that human beings have elements of hate, greed, and selfishness, which are more of emotions. The arguments above undermine the element of rationality of human beings as a basis for defining people.
My profession, race, and societal position do not define my nature. I am a proud mother and grandmother, but these are like offices I hold in society; they do not define me. How I react to my grandchild is significantly influenced by my inner self. While emotional elements are undeniable in human relationships, the soul is superior. The inner self subdues the five common senses, reasoning, and emotions on the outer layers.
Conclusion
Comprehension of self and overall understanding of human nature remains a topic of debate. The Avocado, Artichoke, and Non-Western views have common features and differences that demonstrate the uniqueness of humans in nature. While there are significant arguments in defining self, analyzing my experiences has clarified my stance on who I am. Philosophers’ opinions on the Avocado view significantly align with my thoughts and understanding of life.
References
Fausto-Sterling, A. (2019). Gender/sex, sexual orientation, and identity are in the body: How did they get there? The Journal of Sex Research, 56(4-5), 529-555. Web.
Schiffer, F. (2021). A dual mind approach to understanding the conscious self and its treatment. NeuroSci, 2(2), 224-234. Web.
Xiang, S. (2019). Why the Confucians had no concept of race (Part I): The antiessentialist cultural understanding of self. Philosophy Compass, 14(10), e12628. Web.