The True Nature of the Human Being Essay - 725 Words

One of the odd yet interesting ideas that philosophers demand be debated is that of the true nature of the human being. Even though probably each philosopher has his own unique perception of the true nature of the human being, philosophers tend to share some of the same basic attributes in their definition. After reading Platos five dialogues and Descartes six meditations, I am lead to believe that both philosophers commonly share the idea that the human being is able to exist without the physical body; Plato through the soul and Descartes through the mind. Besides the common thought of the existence of the human being separate from the body, Plato and Descartes also strongly teach that human beings come with certain†¦show more content†¦After reading this, it is extremely evident that Plato agrees with Descartes in saying the senses deceive the mind, and the human is therefore able to exist separate from the physical body. Besides the two philosophers agreeing about the distinct existence of the human being outside the body, both philosophers seem to believe humans are born with certain ideas present within their minds. Plato teaches that after the physical body dies, the soul lives on by entering Hades where it will eventually be given a new physical body in the real world. Which form of a new body this soul takes depends on its last attempt at a pure, clean life. Since this soul has already lived a past life, its mind knows everything needed to survive life. It is up to the body to recollect this previous knowledge; meaning learning is truly recollection. Plato argues his point in saying, As the soul is immortal, has been born often and has seen all things here and in the underworld, there is nothing which it has not learned; so it is in no way surprising that it can recollect the things it knew before, both about virtue and other things (Plato 70). While Plato believes learning is truly recollection, Descartes teaches that a supremely perfectShow MoreRelatedFeelings of Oppression in Blood Wedding by Frederico Garcia Larco1178 Words   |  5 Pagessociety and human beings and by default, explores human nature and the will of the individual. Larco simplistically yet graphically conveys these aspects through a marriage and a feud between two families, both of which are focuses of the play. Another tool he uses is the imagery and personification of several aspects of nature to convey a certain essence of humanity within nature, namely the moon and Death. Through these he implies that man also has a certain disposition towards nature in his thoughtsRead MoreGood Versus Neutral . In The Fourth Century B.C.E., A Fervid1317 Words   |  6 Pagesdebater Gaozi. The morality and ethics of humans was at stake. Their beliefs would change how individuals and societies viewed their decisions, their life outcomes, and ultimately, their tru e nature. 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