Human Nature

Human Nature: The specific difference of human being understood both descriptively (what we are in distinction to other life forms) and normatively (how we ought to develop our distinguishing capabilities). It is subject to both critical and ideological formulations.

In Western Philosophy, that which distinguishes humans from other species, determines the range of our capabilities, and thus grounds the idea of proper or good way of living.

Source: What is Good? What is Bad? The Value of All Values across Time, Place and Theories’ by John McMurtry, Philosophy and World Problems, Volume I-III, UNESCO in partnership with Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems: Oxford, 2004-11.