The Traditional Rationalist ViewBy: Temi Dadepo & Stephanie Boachie

Explanation of view

Plato explains through rationalism that there are three main parts of human nature

ReasonAppetiteAggression

Reason

the main source of knowledgehumans ability to think considerately and rationallythrough reason humans discover the truth on how

to livereason is important because it differentiates us

from other animalsReason provides self-control purpose for human

beingsReason guides/controls a human’s appetite and

aggressionExample: Reason will prevent you from drinking a

glass of water that contains poison when you are thirsty.

Appetite

appetite is referred to as thirst and hunger( located in the abdomen)

(Ex. Sexual and Physical desire)Humans can control their appetite urges through

reason Categorized into four categories:DesireKnowledgePowerWealthExample: Your appetite will urge you to drink a

glass of water containing poison because you are thirsty

Aggression

Is the conflict between reason known as anger(exist in the chest)

The ability to maintain aggression is also controlled by reason

Example: being unable to drink the poisoned water when you are thirsty, this would increase a human’s angry.

*If a person fails to overpower their aggression and appetite they will allow themselves to be enslaved and reason can no longer guide them

Criticism of view- Pro Judeo-Christian religious view of

human nature has been deeply influenced by the traditional rational view

Augustine adopted Plato’s view that stated the self is rational, immaterial and not basically self-interested

Criticism of view- ConExistentialism: States there is

no universal human nature, no rational human nature, and no purpose for human nature.

Feminist:States that the

Traditional view of human nature is sexist

Aristotle: Men rationalistWomen desire &

emotionsFeeling and emotion

are just as important as reason in defining human nature

Criticism of view - ConDarwin’s theory undermined the

idea that all living things are designed for a purpose, and how reason is not unique but just a more developed animal ability.

Philosophers

Positive angle on view Negative angle on view

Aristotle agrees:Reason is humans

highest powerHuman Reason

discovers truth about human nature

Humans have a purpose

Reason separates man from animal

Being more “rational” than another human being causes you to feel superior towards them

This can lead to racism amongst individuals

Example: Hitler may have thought that the Jews were not rational thinkers; this made them inferior to him. This allowed Hitler to gain power over all the Jews.

Scenarios 1. Billy is walking down the hall, and

Janet pushes him when she walks by

As a rational person what should Billy do?

a) Push Janet backb) Swear at herc) Walk away from the situationd) Non of the above

Scenario 2.Betty is out with the girls and

decides to have a couple of drinks

As a rational person what should Betty do?

a) Continue drinkingb) Drive home drunkc) Find a designated driverd) Non of the above

Scenario 3.Stephanie has one cupcake left, and her best

friend Temi has complained to her how hungry she is. Stephanie has already eaten one cupcake, what should she do with the other cupcake?

As a rational person what should Stephanie do?

a. Stephanie should eat the last cupcakeb. Stephanie should yell at Temi for not buying

her own cupcakec. Stephanie should share the cupcaked. non of the above

Scenario 4.Amy has a big philosophy test

tomorrow morning but the cutest guy in school Chris Brown, has just invited her to go to a party the night before

As a rational person what should Amy do?

a. Study for the test and not go to the party

b. Go to the partyc. Neither to study or go to the party