It is a paradox... I agree with Admiral; although there are things of which we are 'certain', in the end, they're only things which we are more certain about than others. For instance, consider the emotions one; if we try to be 'certain' that only humans can experience emotions, how can we be truly certain if we are unable to share communication with animals? In the end, the same argument you use to show it is 'certain' can be reversed to show it isn't. Lacking an omniscient awareness, it is impossible to know for sure.

That being said, I do have some suggestions as to what you may be able to use.

The ability to perceive things in an abstract form. Given a void, we try to define pattens out of what we see. This kind of brings me to my next one.

The need to define things. The fact that philosophy exists in itself is a key point. In particular, the need to define what makes oneself, or the need for self-awareness.

Two suggestions... and therefore my two cents...

I fear I was too vauge. The argument is not based on being "certain". It is simply working with what we know, or think we know, to be "true". It is a difficult concept to explain. Being much too literal about it is somehwta overkill, however being to open minded is not good either. There is a level of science and a level of BS'ing that goes into this.

Oh, and it's not for a philosiphy class, its for English...

Maybe if we had the exact wording of the prompt it would help.

Students are to comprehend the concept of Humanity. Students must then write an essay using all of the knowledge they have compiled from read sources and other gathered information. Using opinions is not permitted.


I have cited many works, and if you would like me too, I can draw upon those citations to show you where I'm getting my information from.

I think they mean using *your* opinions doesn't count. Because anything you gather is going to be opinion.

I would just go the library and check out every philosophical book you can on humanity. I recommend Plato's Republic, Nietzche's Twilight of the Idols, and Descartes's Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason, and Searching for Truth in the Sciences

Those three should give you everything you need to comprehend humanity.

And of course if you happen to speak Greek, French or German - read them in the original languages.

I appreciate your enthusiams, but I must say I've already looked for plenty of works such as that in both my public library and my school libaray, and I have found nothing. The town I live in is rather dry.

I have compiled information from the following sources.

Genesis
Popul Vuh
The Golem
The Epic of Gilgamesh
"What does it mean to be Human"- By David Wilkinson
"What does it mean to be Human"- Cal. State Fullerton Article.

Go ahead and check books.google.com. You might actually find quite a lot of books on the matter. At least Plato's works should be available.

Plato, Nietzsche, and Descartes are all three excellent sources for "what it means to be human." I would say you're going to be able to find at least some of their works in almost any public library, they aren't exactly obscure. Their ideas have been incredibly influencial to philosophy and critical theory. They're probably the best sources.

That being said, if this is for an English class and not a philosophy class your teacher probably wants you to draw literary references. Look at the books you have read in class this year, what do they say about the human condition? Remember the forum you are in.

Star Trek - The Original series.

If you are done laughing, the TV series tackled many tough questions in its short run and the Human factor was one of its major themes.

good question.

opposable thumbs
humor
self awareness
imagination
conscience
technology

to name a few

When's it due? How much time do you have? books.google.com is a good choice. I am 99% sure twilight of the idols is on there, and 90% sure Plato's Republic is on there.