"Human Nature" is Tautological

What is meant by the term "human nature?" In one sense, it is supremely uninformative. The "nature" of any existent can be defined simply as "that which that existent is." References to "human nature" do not actually explain human behavior, nor do they imply that humans are universally evil or vicious.

References:
"Incentives for Moral Behavior" by G. Stolyarov II: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/233692/incentives_for_moral_behavior...

Sincerely,
Gennady Stolyarov II
Editor-in-Chief, The Rational Argumentator: http://rationalargumentator.com
Writer, Associated Content: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/46796/g_stolyarov_ii.html
Author, Implied Consent, A Play on the Sanctity of Human Life: http://rationalargumentator.com/impliedconsent.html
Author, A Rational Cosmology: http://rationalargumentator.com/rc.html
Author, The Best Self-Help is Free: http://rationalargumentator.com/selfhelpfree.html




Author, The Progress of Liberty Blog: http://progressofliberty.today.com/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• human
• nature
• behavior
• morality
• virtue
• vice
• incentives
• philosophy
• ideas
• good
• evil
• progress
• individualism

[JoeTube27]

Environment changes and determines BEHAVIOR not Nature.

[GStolyarovII]

What is the difference?

[JoeTube27]

No one is born with Greed and hatred, you pick up that behavior within your environment. Human nature to me works on a biological level, hunger, urination, and so on. No one is born a Nazi or a KKK hate monger, it's All behavior. We need to make the distinctions so we can design the flaws of our negative behavior out of society. Laws and politicians do nothing. Writing laws to stop behavior is a sign that we have designed society to fail.

[GStolyarovII]

I agree that laws are not nearly as effective as most people suppose. However, a broader truth is that incentives do guide (although they do not determine) human behavior. These incentives come partly from the legal and law enforcement environment (which can be, on net, beneficial or harmful) but also come from other institutions -- including businesses, technology, the media, cultural organizations, families, schools, the Internet, etc.

[GStolyarovII]

For me, "human nature" is simply "what humans are." Part of that is inherent to human biology -- mostly physiological functions -- which a large part is open to human choice and influenced by external circumstances.

[GStolyarovII]

@SecularInquisitor Thank you for your insightful comment!

[SecularInquisitor]

I could not agree more. I grew up poor, but I CHOSE not to become a thief. I think it comes to those that chase those little "highs" described in your video on Happiness which is how a person internalizes various influences (including entertainment). Much is a choice though I am either unconvinced or uncaring about the choice/genetic anomaly of being homosexual. What consenting adults do w/one another is of no concern to me. Start involving kids, then it's a different story altogether.

[JoeTube27]

I agree.  Well said.

[GStolyarovII]

I may make a video on this subject in particular at a later time, as it certainly deserves further and more in-depth discussion.