Theories of Human Nature

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of human nature.
2. Define human nature and differentiate it from human beings and human persons.
3. Explain religious and spiritual conceptions of human nature.
4. Articulate scientific and psychological conceptions of human nature.
5. Discuss and differentiate philosophical presentations of human nature.
6. Analyze and evaluate various theories of human nature.

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 1: Controversies Surrounding the Issue of Human Nature · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 2: Christian Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

3. Week 3Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 3: Islamic Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 4: Traditional African Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 1: Religious/Spiritual Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 5: Eastern Conceptions of Human Nature · 2 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 1: Biological Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 2: Psychological Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 3: Behaviourist Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 2: Scientific/Psychological Conceptions of Human Nature

   • Unit 4: Parapsychology Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

    • Unit 1: Materialist Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

11. Week 11Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

    • Unit 2: Idealist Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

    • Unit 3: Dualist Conception of Human Nature · 2 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..

13. Week 13Module 3: Philosophical Conceptions of Human Nature

    • Unit 4: Transcendentalist Conception of Human Nature · 2 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 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..