Post on 25-Feb-2016
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The Traditional Rationalist ViewBy: Temi Dadepo & Stephanie Boachie
Explanation of view
Plato explains through rationalism that there are three main parts of human nature
ReasonAppetiteAggression
Reason
the main source of knowledgehumans ability to think considerately and rationallythrough reason humans discover the truth on how
to livereason is important because it differentiates us
from other animalsReason provides self-control purpose for human
beingsReason guides/controls a human’s appetite and
aggressionExample: Reason will prevent you from drinking a
glass of water that contains poison when you are thirsty.
Appetite
appetite is referred to as thirst and hunger( located in the abdomen)
(Ex. Sexual and Physical desire)Humans can control their appetite urges through
reason Categorized into four categories:DesireKnowledgePowerWealthExample: Your appetite will urge you to drink a
glass of water containing poison because you are thirsty
Aggression
Is the conflict between reason known as anger(exist in the chest)
The ability to maintain aggression is also controlled by reason
Example: being unable to drink the poisoned water when you are thirsty, this would increase a human’s angry.
*If a person fails to overpower their aggression and appetite they will allow themselves to be enslaved and reason can no longer guide them
Criticism of view- Pro Judeo-Christian religious view of
human nature has been deeply influenced by the traditional rational view
Augustine adopted Plato’s view that stated the self is rational, immaterial and not basically self-interested
Criticism of view- ConExistentialism: States there is
no universal human nature, no rational human nature, and no purpose for human nature.
Feminist:States that the
Traditional view of human nature is sexist
Aristotle: Men rationalistWomen desire &
emotionsFeeling and emotion
are just as important as reason in defining human nature
Criticism of view - ConDarwin’s theory undermined the
idea that all living things are designed for a purpose, and how reason is not unique but just a more developed animal ability.
Philosophers
Positive angle on view Negative angle on view
Aristotle agrees:Reason is humans
highest powerHuman Reason
discovers truth about human nature
Humans have a purpose
Reason separates man from animal
Being more “rational” than another human being causes you to feel superior towards them
This can lead to racism amongst individuals
Example: Hitler may have thought that the Jews were not rational thinkers; this made them inferior to him. This allowed Hitler to gain power over all the Jews.
Scenarios 1. Billy is walking down the hall, and
Janet pushes him when she walks by
As a rational person what should Billy do?
a) Push Janet backb) Swear at herc) Walk away from the situationd) Non of the above
Scenario 2.Betty is out with the girls and
decides to have a couple of drinks
As a rational person what should Betty do?
a) Continue drinkingb) Drive home drunkc) Find a designated driverd) Non of the above
Scenario 3.Stephanie has one cupcake left, and her best
friend Temi has complained to her how hungry she is. Stephanie has already eaten one cupcake, what should she do with the other cupcake?
As a rational person what should Stephanie do?
a. Stephanie should eat the last cupcakeb. Stephanie should yell at Temi for not buying
her own cupcakec. Stephanie should share the cupcaked. non of the above
Scenario 4.Amy has a big philosophy test
tomorrow morning but the cutest guy in school Chris Brown, has just invited her to go to a party the night before
As a rational person what should Amy do?
a. Study for the test and not go to the party
b. Go to the partyc. Neither to study or go to the party