Chapter 3: Human Nature (Notes from Roots of Wisdom)

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the chapter on human nature, including avocado/artichoke views, Western and non-Western perspectives, cognitive studies, and notable experiments.

What are the two metaphors used to describe human nature in Chapter 3?

The avocado view (core essence in the seed) and the artichoke view (layers with no central core).

In the avocado view, where is the essence of a human located?

In the seed at the center of the avocado.

In the artichoke view, what is the nature of the self?

The self is a collection of layers with no central core; a protean self may emerge.

Which two Western traditions are described as shaping the avocado view of human nature in the West?

The Judaic/Christian traditions and the Greek rationalist tradition.

What do the Judaic and Christian traditions claim about humans in relation to God?

Humans are made in the image and likeness of God; unique, self-conscious, capable of love, and moral selves.

In Islamic tradition, what is the status of humans on earth?

Humans are the viceregens (khalifah) of God on earth, responsible to God and intended to govern with submission to Him.

What is the 'greater jihad' in Islamic theology?

The lifelong inner struggle to remember who we are and to submit to God; the inner struggle over outer armed conflict.

Name the five nafs in Arabic and give a brief descriptor for each.

Nafs al-ammārah (the imperious self); nafs al-lawwāmah (the self-reproaching); nafs al-mulhimah (the inspired/self-urging); nafs mutma’innah (the tranquil self); nafs al-natiqa (the divine soul).

What does Macrina argue about the relationship between the passions (pathe) and the soul?

Pathe are external to the soul's essence; reason can subdue them; the soul is the image of God and is genderless.

What analogy does Macrina use to explain the soul’s relation to the body and memory?

The soul is like a painter who remembers the colors used; it retains knowledge of the elements that formed the body.

What do Plato and Aristotle claim about human nature and the role of reason?

Both affirm that humans are rational by nature, and reason lies at the core of what it means to be fully human.

What three characteristics define a sentient being in the Star Trek Data debate?

Intelligence, self-awareness, and consciousness (including the capacity to form attachments or make choices).

What is the significance of the chimpanzee rain dances observed by primatologists?

They show cultural variation among chimp communities and are learned, communal behaviors passed across groups.

Which primatologist synthesized field studies to conclude that chimps show culture and language-like abilities?

Andrew Whiten.

What are Kanzi’s language abilities?

Understands hundreds of English words, uses word order, and can communicate using symbols; follows complex commands.

What cognitive abilities did Alex, the African Grey parrot, demonstrate?

Imitated human speech, understood concepts like bigger/smaller, more/fewer/none, and showed sign-language-like communication.

What logical abilities did Rio the sea lion demonstrate?

Understanding symmetry and transitivity; could match A to C after learning A–B and B–C relationships.

What did Stanley Milgram’s obedience study reveal about human behavior?

87% of participants administered increasing shocks under authority pressure, showing high obedience.