Human Nature in Values Education
This article is Module 3 titled Nature of the Human Person, under the course Philosophical & Ethical Foundations of Values Education. This article discusses human nature in the context of Values Education.
This module has 6 lessons.
- Lesson 1: Definition of terms
- Lesson 2: The three-fold level of human nature
- Lesson 3: The integral nature of the human person
- Lesson 4: The lower and higher faculties
- Lesson 5: Training of the intellect
- Lesson 6: Formation of the will
Lesson 1: Human Nature Definition
Human nature refers to anything exclusively human that human intrinsically possesses right at his or her birth. It is universal and static. It is one and immutable. It is one because it is absolutely present to all human beings; it is static because it remains as it is in every human from birth to death. Let’s dissect this definition in the context of Values Education.
1. Human nature is exclusively human
Human nature refers to anything exclusively human, specifically our capacity to think, feel, move or act teleologically or purposively (which means we can act with purpose or goals in life), and to behave in a certain way.
Ang mga hayop, they can also move with a goal. Halimbawa, they move because they want to eat or drink. Pero their movements are determined by their instincts. Sa tao, the movements or actions are determined by our motivations (internal or external drives) to fulfill certain goals in a specific time and space. At ang capacities natin na ito, ang ating intellection and volition (intellect and will) ang bumubuo sa essence ng ating pagkatao. Sa tao lang ito matatagpuan, sa rational animals at hindi sa irrational animals. Ito ang ibig sabihin ng exclusively human.
2. It is intrinsic
Our human nature is innate to us as humans. It is intrinsic or inherent to us. Hindi ito nabibili or nakukuha kung saan para magkaroon ng ganitong nature. We do not earn this. It is part of our operating system (OS) as a human creature in this world. It is our built-in characteristic.
3. Human nature is universal
Our nature as humans is universal because it is applied or applicable to all human beings, regardless of their status in our society. Rich or poor, educated or uneducated, young or old, black or white or brown, living in first-world or developing countries, and so on. This is true for all as long as members of the human race.
4. It is static
Our nature as humans is static. It is unchanging in a sense that from birth to death, our human faculties and nature remain the same. Halimbawa ang physical attributes natin: lahat tayo pare-pareho na dalawa lang ang kamay, dalawa ang paa, isa ang bibig, etc. Hindi ka makakakita na habang tumatagal nagiging tatlo na ang kamay, or tatlo o apat na ang apa. It`s static.
Sa spiritual faculties naman: hindi nagiging dalawa ang soul natin. Hindi nagpapalit ng spirit after 20 or 50 years. Hindi nagbabago ang intellect and will natin. But of course, we develop our faculties. They can be developed. They deteriorate. They can get sick. But, they remain the same which makes us the same person from birth to death.
5. Our nature as a person is One
Human nature is one in the sense that it is uniform to all members of the human race. Each one is unique but no one is favored. Our uniqueness is what makes us irreplaceable and beautiful in our own simple way.
6. Human nature is immutable
Our human nature is immutable in the sense that it is unchanging. Every human person born in this world possesses human attributes, human capacities, and especially human dignity.
Again, human nature refers to anything exclusively human which we intrinsically possess right at our birth. It is universal and static. And it is one and immutable.
For other modules in this course, check the links below:
Alternatively, you can watch on YouTube this brief lecture on human nature.
REFERENCES
- Agapay, R.B. (1991). Ethics and the Filipino, A Manual on Morals for Students and Educators. National Bookstore, Inc.
- De Torre, J.M. (1980). Social Morals. The Church Speaks on Society. Southeast Asian Science Foundation, Inc.
- Esteban, E.J. (1990). Education in Values: What, Why, and For Whom. Sinag-tala Publishers, Inc.
- Farrel, W. and Haly, M.J. (1952). My Way of Life. Confraternity of the Precious Blood.
- Lipio, F.C.O.P. (1998). Conscience: A Catholic Filipino View. St. Paul’s Philippines.
- Morga, M.D. (1993). Toward Authentic Morality: An Ethics Textbook for Philippines. National Bookstore, Inc.
- Montemayor, F.M. (1994). Ethics: The Philosophy of Life. National Bookstore, Inc.
- Peschke, K.H. (1996). Christian Ethics: Moral Theology in the Light of Vatican II. Divine World Publications.
- Reyes, R.C. (1989). Ground and Norm of Morality: Ethics for College Students. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
- Rice, C.E. (1996). 50 Questions on the National Law: What It Is and Why We Need It? Ignatius Press.
