It is important to note that human nature is a highly complex and intricate subject because it is rather challenging to define and pinpoint. Such an elusive characteristic of the concept makes it challenging to prove or disprove its existence. However, an argument can be made that human nature is not real and has profound implications since it is a mix of culture, traditions, social norms, and personal specificities.
In order to properly discuss the matter of human nature, it is critical to define it first. It is stated that “human nature is the set of human features or processes that remain after subtraction of those picked out by concepts of the non-natural, concepts such as ‘culture,’ ‘nurture,’ or ‘socialization’” (Roughley par. 9). In other words, it is the most basic layer of human behavior and inner experience. However, others object by stating that “to think that humans (or other animals) have some stable ‘nature’ is contrary to one of the central tenets of modern evolutionary biology” (Danaher par. 3). The literary works, such as Sophie’s World, contemplate that “man has no such eternal ‘nature’ to fall back on” (Gaarder 269). Therefore, human nature is a broad term that cannot find its basis either in evolution or philosophical thought without using it as a convenient term to refer to a mix of a multitude of influences.
In conclusion, human nature most likely does not exist since it is rather challenging to define, describe, and identify. A closer look at the concept reveals that it is either mere biology or social factors, such as culture, traditions, and social norms. The book Sophie’s World provides an insight into its non-existence as well by showing that it has only use for the purposes of convenience.
Works Cited
Danaher, John. “Does Human Nature Exist? On the Philosophy of Human Nature.” Philosophical Disquisitions, Web.
Gaarder, Sophia. Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007.
Roughley, Neil. “Human Nature.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Web.