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PHL107Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Theories of Human Nature

This course introduces students to the fundamental theories and principles of human nature. It explores religious, spiritual, scientific, and philosophical perspectives, analyzing anthropological descriptions and metaphysical interpretations. Students will learn to differentiate between human nature, human beings, and human persons, while critically evaluating various conceptions, including Christian, Islamic, African, and Eastern viewpoints. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of human nature's complexities and its implications across diverse fields.

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91h

Study Time

13

Weeks

7h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Human NaturePhilosophyMetaphysicsReligionPsychology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Religious Conceptions of Human Nature

2

Scientific Conceptions of Human Nature

3

Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

4

Materialism

5

Idealism

6

Dualism

7

Transcendentalism

8

Existentialism

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

computer-based tests

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Philosopher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Psychologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sociologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationCounselingReligious OrganizationsResearchSocial Work

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 1: Controversies Surrounding the Issue of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Read the introduction to understand the controversy surrounding the study of human nature.
•Examine the different dimensions to the study of human nature.
•Differentiate between the anthropological and metaphysical approaches.
•Understand why the metaphysical approach is preferred.

Week

2

Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 2: Christian Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Study the origin of human nature in Christianity as stated in Genesis.
•Understand the Christian view of human beings created in God's image.
•Examine the composition of human nature according to Christian beliefs.
•Reflect on the significance of the soul and its relation to the body.

Week

3

Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 3: Islamic Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Explore the Islamic conception of human nature as presented in the Qur'an.
•Understand the status of humans in Islam as vicegerents on Earth.
•Examine the spiritual dimension of human nature in Islamic philosophy.
•Reflect on the composition of human nature, including the spirit, heart, and soul.

Week

4

Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 4: Traditional African Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Study the Igbo theory of human being, including the concepts of 'mmadu' and its components.
•Understand the Igbo view of the composition of human nature and the role of 'mmuo mmadu'.
•Examine the Igbo concepts of salvation and immortality.
•Compare and contrast with the Yoruba theory of human being.

Week

5

Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 5: Eastern Conceptions of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Explore the Confucian Taoist theory of human nature, focusing on 'qi' and its role.
•Understand the Hindu theory of human nature, including the concepts of 'mānava' and 'puruṣa'.
•Examine the composition of human nature in both traditions.
•Reflect on the spiritual dimensions of human nature in Eastern thought.

Week

6

Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 1: Biological Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Examine biology as a life science and its approach to studying human nature.
•Understand the biological structure of human nature, focusing on the nervous system.
•Analyze how the biological structure influences human behavioral patterns.
•Reflect on the limitations of a purely biological perspective.

Week

7

Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 2: Psychological Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Study the meaning and purpose of psychology in understanding human nature.
•Examine the materialist perspective, including Freud's tripartite structure and the conscious/unconscious mind.
•Understand the idealist/spiritualist perspective and the role of the soul.
•Reflect on the integration of psychological and spiritual dimensions.

Week

8

Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 3: Behaviourist Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Explore the meaning and origin of behaviorism as a school of psychology.
•Understand the different types of behaviorism: methodological, psychological, and analytical.
•Examine the debate between nature and nurture as sources of human behavior.
•Reflect on the limitations of a purely behaviorist perspective.

Week

9

Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 4: Parapsychology Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Study the meaning of parapsychology and its focus on psychic phenomena.
•Understand extra-sensory perception (ESP) and its various forms, such as telepathy and clairvoyance.
•Examine psychokinesis (PK) and its manifestations, such as poltergeist activity.
•Reflect on the scientific validity and implications of parapsychological claims.

Week

10

Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 1: Materialist Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Understand materialism as a metaphysical theory of human nature.
•Examine the dialectical materialist conception of human nature.
•Explore central-state materialism and its implications.
•Reflect on the limitations of a purely materialist perspective.

Week

11

Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 2: Idealist Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Study idealism as a metaphysical theory of human nature.
•Understand the subjective idealistic conception of human nature.
•Examine the objective idealistic account of human nature.
•Reflect on the limitations of a purely idealistic perspective.

Week

12

Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

2h

Unit 3: Dualist Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Explore dualism as a metaphysical theory of human nature.
•Understand Plato's and St. Augustine's views on human nature.
•Examine Rene Descartes' interactionist conception of human nature.
•Reflect on the challenges of reconciling the material and immaterial aspects of human existence.

Week

13

Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

4h

Unit 4: Transcendentalist Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Study the transcendental theory of human nature.
•Understand the faculties of human nature and their functions.
•Examine the integrated or unified theory of human nature.
•Reflect on the synthesis of different perspectives on human nature.

Unit 5: Existentialist Conception of Human Nature

2 study hours

•Explore the existentialist conception of human nature.
•Understand human ontology and the question of human existence.
•Examine the ontic delineation of human nature.
•Reflect on the role of freedom, responsibility, and authenticity in shaping human existence.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a comparative table outlining the key tenets of each philosophical perspective (Materialism, Idealism, Dualism, etc.).

2

Focus on understanding the core arguments and criticisms of each theory.

3

Develop concise summaries of key philosophers' contributions (e.g., Plato, Descartes, Kant, Sartre).

4

Practice applying different theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios.

5

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments to identify areas for improvement.

6

Prioritize understanding the distinctions between human nature, human being, and human person.

7

Prepare to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each conception of human nature.

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