Analyzing Aristotle's concept of Human Nature through Maria Kronfeldner's framework of Human Nature

Wai Fung Leung

Master's thesis

Abstract:

In this thesis, I am going to analyze Aristotle's concept of Human Nature from a contemporary perspective. In specific, I attempt to argue that Aristotle's concept of Human Nature can still be made plausible despite the challenges raised in contemporary debates towards the concept. The analysis will come in three parts. I will first look into Maria Kronfeldner's work: What’s Left of Human Nature? A Post-Essentialist, Pluralist and Interactive Account of the Contested Concept, which provides both the background of the debates on the concept of Human Nature and her attempt to resolve these protracted challenges of the concept (i.e. the Dehumanization Challenge, the Darwinian Challenge and the Developmentalist Challenge). Her work was chosen due to the conceptual comprehensiveness of the topic. In the second part, I will provide an analysis based on Aristotle's Metaphysics, specifically, his ideas on Substance, Potency, and Change, followed by his account of Biology and Ethics, to draw out how Aristotle understood the terms "Nature" and "Essence" during his time. Lastly, with the foundation laid in the previous parts, I am going to argue that Aristotle's understanding of Human Nature and Teleological Essentialism could be compatible with Kronfeldner's framework about Human Nature, despite the difference in terminology and advancement in technology and culture (i.e. incommensurability), thus addressing the challenges correspondingly.

Keywords

Human Nature, Maria Kronfeldner, Post Essentialism, Aristotle, Essence, Teleological Essentialism

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 3. 1. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 24. 1. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Michal Hubálek
• Reader: doc. Mgr. Filip Jaroš, Ph.D.

University of Hradec Králové

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Philosophy / Philosophy