Have you ever wondered what makes us different from animals? Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, had some interesting insights on this topic.
According to him, plants have life, animals have life and perception, but humans have both of these characteristics along with rationality. This means that we have the unique ability to reason and use language in a way that sets us apart from other creatures.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Aristotle’s views on what separates humans from animals and delve into some of the key quotes from his famous work, the Nicomachean Ethics.
So, let’s dive in and discover what makes us truly human.
What Separates Humans From Animals Aristotle
Aristotle believed that what sets humans apart from animals is our ability to reason. He argued that the intellectual component of the soul is unique to humans and allows us to think, deliberate, and make decisions based on rational thought.
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle wrote, “The remaining possibility, then, is some sort of life of action of the [part of the soul] that has reason.” This quote highlights his belief that humans have a special capacity for action based on reason.
Another key aspect that separates humans from animals, according to Aristotle, is our ability to use language. He believed that language is a tool for reasoning and communication that allows us to express complex ideas and concepts.
Aristotle also saw humans as “political beings,” meaning that we have a natural inclination towards living in communities and forming societies. He believed that our social nature is what allows us to develop virtues and live a good life.
In his work, Politics, Aristotle wrote, “Since nature makes nothing purposeless or in vain, it is undeniably true that she has made all animals for the sake of man.” This quote highlights his belief that humans are at the top of the natural hierarchy and that other animals exist to serve our needs.
Aristotle’s Definition Of Life And Perception
Aristotle’s definition of life and perception is a crucial element in his understanding of what separates humans from animals. He believed that all living things have a soul, which he defined as the “principle of life.” However, he argued that there are different types of souls, each corresponding to different levels of complexity in living beings.
At the lowest level are plants, which have a nutritive soul that allows them to grow and reproduce. Animals, on the other hand, have a sensitive soul that allows them to perceive and respond to their environment. This includes the ability to sense pleasure and pain, as well as to move and interact with other beings.
Humans, according to Aristotle, have a rational soul that allows us to engage in abstract thought, reason logically, and contemplate the nature of existence. This includes our ability to use language and engage in philosophical inquiry.
Aristotle’s understanding of perception was also unique for his time. He believed that perception is not just a passive reception of sensory information, but an active process of organizing and interpreting that information based on our previous experiences and knowledge.
In his work, De Anima, Aristotle wrote, “Perception is the change produced in the sense by the sensible object.” This quote highlights his belief that perception involves both the senses and the mind working together to make sense of the world around us.
The Unique Characteristic Of Rationality In Humans
The unique characteristic of rationality in humans, according to Aristotle, is what sets us apart from other animals. He believed that the ability to reason is what defines us as “rational animals.” This capacity for practical rationality allows us to deliberate over courses of action and make choices based on those deliberations.
Aristotle saw rationality as the defining quality of humans, our “final cause” or “telos.” He believed that the ability to reason separates us from other animals, and that being rational is our defining quality. This is because the ability to reason is the one capacity or function that distinguishes us from other animals.
Moreover, Aristotle’s view on rationality suggests that it is not merely a matter of following moral rules or considering the consequences of actions, but rather a matter of developing good habits, or virtues. For Aristotle, being virtuous means developing good habits that contribute to successful living and achieving eudaimonia, or the good life for a human being.
How Rationality Sets Us Apart From Animals
Aristotle believed that rationality is the defining characteristic of human beings and what sets us apart from animals. He argued that humans have a unique capacity for reason, which allows us to deliberate over courses of action and choose based on those deliberations. This ability to reason is what separates us from other animals, who operate mainly on instinct.
Aristotle saw rationality as the intellectual component of the soul, which is unique to humans. He believed that our rational soul allows us to think critically and make decisions based on logic and reason. This capacity for rational thought is what enables us to create complex societies, develop new technologies, and advance in various fields of knowledge.
Moreover, Aristotle believed that our rationality is closely linked to our ability to use language. He saw language as a tool for reasoning and communication, which allows us to express our thoughts and ideas in a way that other animals cannot. This ability to articulate complex concepts through language is what enables us to think abstractly and engage in philosophical inquiry.
Key Quotes From The Nicomachean Ethics On Human Nature
Here are some key quotes from the Nicomachean Ethics that showcase Aristotle’s view on how humans differ from animals:
– “The good of man is a working of the soul in the way of excellence in a complete life.” This quote emphasizes Aristotle’s belief that humans have the capacity for excellence and virtue, which sets us apart from animals.
– “To discover the human good we must identify the function of a human being. He argues that the human function is rational activity.” This quote highlights Aristotle’s argument that rational activity is what defines human beings.
– “Hence it is evident that the state is a creation of nature, and that man is by nature a political animal.” This quote showcases Aristotle’s belief that humans have a natural inclination towards living in communities and forming societies.
– “Since nature makes nothing purposeless or in vain, it is undeniably true that she has made all animals for the sake of man.” This quote emphasizes Aristotle’s view that humans are at the top of the natural hierarchy and that other animals exist to serve our needs.
The Implications Of Aristotle’s Views On Human Exceptionalism
Aristotle’s views on human exceptionalism have significant implications for our understanding of human nature and our relationship with animals. His belief that humans are unique in their ability to reason and use language has been used to justify human dominance over other animals. This has led to the exploitation of animals for human needs, such as food, clothing, and entertainment.
Furthermore, Aristotle’s belief that other animals exist for the sake of humans has been used to justify the mistreatment and neglect of animals. This view has been criticized by modern animal rights activists, who argue that all animals have inherent value and deserve to be treated with respect and compassion.
On the other hand, Aristotle’s emphasis on human social nature and the development of virtues through community living can be seen as a positive aspect of his views on human exceptionalism. This highlights the importance of living in harmony with others and developing moral character through social interaction.
Criticisms Of Aristotle’s Philosophy On Human Uniqueness
Despite Aristotle’s influential ideas on human uniqueness, his philosophy has been criticized by many modern thinkers.
One major criticism is that Aristotle’s definition of humans as “rational animals” is too narrow and ignores other important aspects of human nature. For example, Kevin Currie-Knight argues that our capacity for belief is even more fundamental than our ability to reason. He suggests that humans are fundamentally “believing animals,” and that our ability to believe in complex concepts and ideas is what truly sets us apart from other animals.
Additionally, some critics argue that Aristotle’s emphasis on human rationality overlooks the emotional and intuitive aspects of human nature. They suggest that emotions and intuition play a critical role in human decision-making and action, and that these aspects of our nature are just as important as rational thought.
Another criticism of Aristotle’s philosophy is that it is anthropocentric, meaning that it places humans at the center of the natural world and ignores the value of other living beings. This perspective has been challenged by modern ecological and animal rights movements, which argue that all living beings have inherent value and deserve respect and protection.
Overall, while Aristotle’s ideas on human uniqueness have been influential throughout history, they have also been subject to criticism and debate. As we continue to explore what separates humans from animals, it is important to consider a wide range of perspectives and ideas.
