What does it mean to be human?

Theme 1

Today’s Objectives

Define what it means to be human.

What are some defining characteristics that that make us human?

What makes a human being

“human”?

Discussion:

Key Concepts:• To be human is to be a person, to

live in relationships, and to be essentially good.

• The way humans construct a culture depends on the sort of home or world they feel suits them best.

• Humans are the only species that does not fit automatically in nature: they have to create a culture. This culture has to provide what is best for the birth, growth and fulfillment of the human creature.

Group Work

• 1. Your group will receive an envelope that contains statements about the nature of a human being.

• 2. Deliberate: Which trait is a better trait to have as humans.

• 3. Suggest a person or persons who are a good example of the trait.

• 4. Present your arguments to the class.

Human Trait Person who is a good example of this trait

1. rational/irrational2. good/bad3. free/enslaved4. active/passive5. moral/immoral6. created/generated7. selfish/altruistic8. innovative/imitative9. greedy/generous10. intelligent/ignorant11. individual/relational12. wise/foolish13. violent/peaceful14. sensitive/unfeeling15. proactive/reactive

Lost Generation

Discussion

What influences us in our views about what it means to be human?

Page 6

• What does it mean to be human?

Declaration of Humanhood- Michelle Bouchard

I hereby declare that I am human.

I am human in my joy and laughter, and I am human in my pain and tears. I am human in my need to love and help others, and in my need to be loved and helped by others. I am human in my dreams and accomplishments, but most of all I am human in my flaws and mistakes.

Declaration of Humanhood

Being human, I am entitled to the following rights:

1. I have the right to be imperfect.2. I have the right to make many (sometimes huge)

mistakes.3. I have the right to learn from my mistakes and

then move on with my life.4. I have the right to forgive myself.5. I have the right to feel what I feel.6. I have the right to laugh until it hurts, and cry

until it stops hurting.7. I have the right to live my life as I choose.8. I have the right to happiness.9. I have the right to my own beliefs.10. I have the right to true friends and true love.11. I have the right to be loved by others.12. I have the right to be loved by me.

Declaration of Humanhood

• What 5 statements can you add to the list of human rights that you feel are important?

Journal #1

• Write a full 1 page reflection on these 2 questions.

• What is the best part about being Human?

• What is the worst part about being Human?