Theories of Human Nature

4220 6.0 D
Lecture: Introduction

Ontological problem: What is human nature?
Epistemological problem: How does one know what human nature is? How do I know?

Epistemology
What is the essence of knowledge?
Knowledge is:
A process
A result
Objective
Subjective
Absolute
Relative

Is knowledge possible?
Kants context:
Dogmatism: Simple confidence in the ability to achieve knowledge.
Skepticism: Doubting the possibilities of knowledge.
Criticism: Knowledge is possible under certain circumstances.

What is the relationship between reality and knowledge
Realism: There exists a reality independent of our mind.
Idealism: Reality is constructed in our mind (e.g., solipsism: reality exists only in my imagination).
What are the means for achieving knowledge?
Authority: Reference to institutions, teachers, books.
Rationalism: Knowledge can (only) be obtained through human reason (lat. ratio). A priori
knowledge. E.g., R. Descartes.
Empiricism: Knowledge derives from our senses and experience. Knowledge is developed a
posteriori. E.g., J. Locke (1632-1704).
What are the means for achieving knowledge?
Kant's Criticism: Merging rationalism and empiricism. Concepts without perceptions are empty,
perceptions without concepts are blind.
Irrationalism: Knowledge through intuition, emotion, revelation. Truth in painting, in literature, in
music!
Pragmatism: Emphasizes the practical consequences of theories, definitions, ideas, and
concepts.