Our discussion in lecture on what makes and individual, do they have an essence, etc. was very intriguing. One important aspect of this discussion, that Heiti brought up, was human variation. I agree with her conclusion that states "I would argue that the biological part of heredity is a fixed variable, versus all other aspects depending on the time, environment and circumstances are flexible and hence ever changing and impacting the fixed biological aspect. " This is similar to Hobbes in that all experience is subjective because it is impossible for man to process things the same; it varies from person to person no matter how biologically similar they are.
In furthering Heiti's discussion, I can provide a unique insight into this topic. I am an identical twin, therefore, genetically my sister and I are clones of one another. Despite this genetic similarity, we are different in our personalities, interests, knowledge, etc. Our environment, culture and upbringing were exactly the same so why are we different? Why am I better at science and math while she excels in the arts? This inherent difference would lead me to believe two things. First, every experience is subjective; no matter how many people experience the same event all of those experiences will be different. Second, the best way to define this inherent difference would be one's essence. My essence is different than my sisters because we are different individuals.
According to Jean-Paul Sartre man has no nature and therefore, his existence comes before his essence. Man's essence is determined by our choices and interpretations of our experiences.1 Sartre's concept goes along with Hobbes. What makes an individual is one's essence. If one is follow Sartre's train of thought then an essence is not inherent, but created. Therefore, the next theological question is when does one start to exists? This answer would determine when an individual starts to have experiences.
1. Flynn, Thomas, "Jean-Paul Sartre", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2013/entries/sartre/>.
What makes an individual? Great question.
ReplyDeleteDori, your comments are spot on; I could not agree any more. I would add that cultural background also influences the manner in which individuals see and therefore reach to its surroundings. One would argue that by living in a Latin American community by default makes all individuals to speak Spanish and have the same cultural background. It is quite known that the latter is not the case as many in Latin America are of African origin (me included). I would further add that individualism solidifies existence since it allows for diversity furthering the gene pool. Without variation the likelihood on any species existing decreases exponentially. As such it seems scientifically plausible that discrete behaviors, concept and ideas by default to be diverse. Your theological discussion further supports the thought of being “pre-wired” to survive not only physically but more importantly spiritually. The latter is critical as indicated by Miller, et al…”which links epidemiological and religiousness to morbidity and mortality leading to potential pathways to health since the pool of choices/variability are amplified”.
http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/amp/58/1/24/