What does it mean to be human? Theme 1
Feb 23, 2016
What does it mean to be human?
Theme 1
Today’s Objectives
Define what it means to be human.
What are some defining characteristics that that make us human?
What makes a human being
“human”?
Discussion:
Key Concepts:• To be human is to be a person, to
live in relationships, and to be essentially good.
• The way humans construct a culture depends on the sort of home or world they feel suits them best.
• Humans are the only species that does not fit automatically in nature: they have to create a culture. This culture has to provide what is best for the birth, growth and fulfillment of the human creature.
Group Work
• 1. Your group will receive an envelope that contains statements about the nature of a human being.
• 2. Deliberate: Which trait is a better trait to have as humans.
• 3. Suggest a person or persons who are a good example of the trait.
• 4. Present your arguments to the class.
Human Trait Person who is a good example of this trait
1. rational/irrational2. good/bad3. free/enslaved4. active/passive5. moral/immoral6. created/generated7. selfish/altruistic8. innovative/imitative9. greedy/generous10. intelligent/ignorant11. individual/relational12. wise/foolish13. violent/peaceful14. sensitive/unfeeling15. proactive/reactive
Lost Generation
Discussion
What influences us in our views about what it means to be human?
Page 6
• What does it mean to be human?
Declaration of Humanhood- Michelle Bouchard
I hereby declare that I am human.
I am human in my joy and laughter, and I am human in my pain and tears. I am human in my need to love and help others, and in my need to be loved and helped by others. I am human in my dreams and accomplishments, but most of all I am human in my flaws and mistakes.
Declaration of Humanhood
Being human, I am entitled to the following rights:
1. I have the right to be imperfect.2. I have the right to make many (sometimes huge)
mistakes.3. I have the right to learn from my mistakes and
then move on with my life.4. I have the right to forgive myself.5. I have the right to feel what I feel.6. I have the right to laugh until it hurts, and cry
until it stops hurting.7. I have the right to live my life as I choose.8. I have the right to happiness.9. I have the right to my own beliefs.10. I have the right to true friends and true love.11. I have the right to be loved by others.12. I have the right to be loved by me.
Declaration of Humanhood
• What 5 statements can you add to the list of human rights that you feel are important?
Journal #1
• Write a full 1 page reflection on these 2 questions.
• What is the best part about being Human?
• What is the worst part about being Human?