What is Human Nature?

Human nature refers to the general characteristics and virtues of human beings. Many people have argued over what these are and even if there are any attributes that all humans share (besides basic biology).

Some questions regarding human nature include (noninclusively):

"What are human beings like?"

"What motivates human actions?"

"What does it mean to be human?"

"What are the essential characteristics that one needs in order to be considered a human being?"

"What makes human actions different from the actions of other animals?"

"Why do people act the way they do?"

"Are all (or most) human beings alike in certain ways and is there a reason for it?"

Common theories of human nature include, but are not limited to:

Humans have a body and a soul - the soul allows for free action.

Humans have no soul - their actions are simply the result of physical phenomena.

Humans are shaped by their environment and thus do not freely choose their actions.

Humans are influenced by their environment, but can overcome those influences through free will.

Humans have a soul, animals do not.

Humans are simply animals with a larger brain capacity.

The mind is simply the action of the brain.

The mind is separable from the brain and thus, not completely subject to the biological mechanisms of the brain.

Human personalities are genetically determined.

Women are or are not essentially different from men.

Humans are more valuable than animals because of their ability to think and act in ways that are not directly controlled by instinct.

Humans are naturally violent/compassionate/heterosexual/carnivorous/social/egotistical/ etc.

The list goes on indefinitely.