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Understanding Human Nature and Its Implications for Democratic Governance

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Understanding Human Nature and Its Implications for Democratic Governance

Since the beginning of human history, philosophical inquiries have focused chiefly on

human nature, with the concepts that have emerged from these investigations finding

application in domains like politics and governance (Midgley, 2021). The idea of human

nature is covered throughout the essay, as it is vital for democratic societies and pursuing

higher political ideals. Individuals' opinions regarding the order of existence and the

comparison between the individual and society are shaped mainly by their diverse

perspectives of human nature. Because of this, we will also consider potential rebuttals from

proponents with different perspectives on human nature.

Understanding Human Nature

Throughout history, philosophers and intellectuals have offered a variety of responses

to the perennial question of what makes humans nature. The topic of the best qualities in

humans was approached from several angles by thinkers as far back as the Ancient Greeks

and the Enlightenment. For example, Aristotle saw humans as the animals of the polis; he

also recognized the polis' amiable and social nature, as well as the necessity of belonging to a

community and being accepted into society (Smith, 2021). On the other hand, Hobbes depicts

human nature as short, revolting, harsh, and isolated. He sets out vested interests and

unstoppable self-interest, stating unequivocally that people are also harmful. These historical

and social theories serve as the foundation for current debates about the nature of governance

and human nature.

The field of human nature has advanced to consider the findings of psychology,

sociology, and neuroscience. While some theorists believe that human nature is inherently

harmful and manifests as violence and selfishness, others hold a more optimistic view and

present evidence that highlights empathy, cooperation, and altruism as the primary

characteristics of humans (Smith, 2021). Most current discussions center on the relative
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contributions of biological, environmental, and cultural factors to behavioral determinants. In

addition, various complex issues are brought up, including contemporary terminology, a

person's destiny, moral obligation to act in a derivative manner, and capacity for personal

growth.

Culture and society have a significant effect on how people view human nature.

Social, religious, and cultural norms determine how people accept or reject who they are

(Hogan & Sherman, 2020). For example, the essential elements of individualism are

independence and self-determination, whereas the traits of community and cooperation are

found in collectivism. Furthermore, the perception of what it means to be a human in the

future will probably be shaped by historical developments, current economic situations, and

technological discoveries.

Basic Political Goods in Democratic Governance

The political-economic aspect of decentralizing the fundamental elements alludes to

specific ideals or ideas essential to both microeconomic processes and human happiness and

development. This set of commodities has a significant level of variation (Hogan & Sherman,

2020). They reject impersonal concepts like solidarity, equality, liberty, security, and justice.

These presumptions may have different real meanings, but they constitute the fundamental

building blocks of political theory and administration.

Political theorist Nancy Rosenblum's six basic political element framework allows us

to explore the political values system and how these values are measured and contrasted. This

framework identifies six interrelated values: virtue, competence, safety, liberty, security, and

justice (Smith, 2021). These commodities manifest human flourishing and aid the

government's decision-making and policy-making processes to achieve the highest good.

The government's job in a democratic system is to ensure that the fundamental

political principles that improve the welfare of the populace are provided and advanced
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(Midgley, 2021). This population activity could be achieved by laws and policies that protect

people's rights, ensure social welfare, and improve economic well-being. Subsequently,

governments must strike a balance between the ideals and interests that lead to a harmonious

and equitable society. Gaining a more robust and inclusive political system where people

from all socioeconomic groups and strata feel safe because the political order gives the ideal

conditions for everyone to flourish is made possible by broadening our perspective on other

political goods.

Human Nature and Political Goods

Various interpretations of the nature of man have important implications for political

ideology and psychological traits. Furthermore, proponents of the idea that human nature is

inherently flawed may use strict regulations and governmental control to mitigate the adverse

effects of people's irrational or selfish behavior (Hume, 2023). Conversely, those with a more

optimistic viewpoint may be more motivated by the defense of individual liberties and the

conviction that people are inherently decent and clever. As a result, they may place more

faith in people's ability to make their own decisions than in the government's ability to

intervene more heavily. These divergent points of view shape political philosophies and

policies that address issues of welfare, crime, education, and the economy. As a result, the

answers to many societal problems will probably be intricate and multidimensional.

Since they enable both replies and consensus, the acknowledgment and acceptance of

differing points of view are essential components of inclusive and productive democratic

decision-making processes. The legislators have a more significant opportunity to create

legislation that resonates with the constituents' diverse beliefs, lifestyles, and ideologies

(Hogan & Sherman, 2020). Moreover, democratic institutions ought to provide channels for

discussion and compromise, allowing people to enjoy differing perspectives on humanity and

enhancing the quality of public debate and policy formation. Democratic governance can
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function more effectively in a complex society when it acknowledges and values

disagreement and individuals' unique traits.

One can understand the complexities of governing the people by applying conflicting

theories of human nature to analyze factual policy disputes. The divide may express

contradictory beliefs about human nature in comments regarding whether or not torture is

justified during questioning, the effects of being incarcerated, or whether or not mercy may

influence behavior (Dewey, 2023). Similarly, discussions over social welfare programs

typically center on divergent opinions regarding humankind's fundamental characteristics and

the state's role in reducing social injustices. We can understand the spirit of various

conceptions of human nature and even uncover the policy aims and decision-making process

grounded in this theory by examining case studies from multiple policy fields.

My View of Human Nature

On my perception of human nature, I am more likely to maintain a rational belief that

considers the likelihood that people may exhibit both a propensity for cooperation and

altruism and the capacity for self-interest or conflict. I believe humanity is founded on

interpersonal relationships and endowed with the virtues of compassion and morality, which

are inevitably sapped by the environment and the values people fervently hold dear to one

another.

My opinion aligns with the primary political goods lens when understanding human

nature. The political goods of security, liberty, equality, and community are precious. In light

of this, I concluded that democratic administration ought to work toward implementing

policies that, among other things, uphold the rights of all people and advance the interests of

the majority while ensuring their safety. A democratic society can achieve peace and progress

by realizing individuals' connections via shared experiences and the value of putting others'

needs ahead of one's own.

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My understanding of humans leads me to believe in a system that goes beyond just

emphasizing freedom and accountability. It involves funding social service and education

initiatives that help people overcome obstacles and close gaps while encouraging civic

engagement and discourse to strengthen community bonds and a sense of national identity.

However, policies to eliminate systemic injustice and promote environmental sustainability

should be implemented to diminish the human race further. The democracy that best serves

the interests of every person is restored by enacting laws that reflect the reality that humans

are a complex and highly interdependent species.

Counterargument and Alternative Views

Diverse viewpoints on human nature provide insightful understandings of human

experiences and opinions. For example, humans with a more negative perspective on human

nature would contend that humans are naturally egotistical and easily exploited, highlighting

the necessity of strict law and order to preserve societal order. Conversely, more upbeat

people would argue that people are inherently friendly and can work together and be

charitable, supporting laws that put the individual's rights and autonomy first.

Comprehending and interacting with these differing viewpoints enhances the conversation

about governance and draws attention to the intricacy of human conduct.

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References

Dewey, J. (2023). Human nature and conduct. BoD-Books on Demand.

Hogan, R., & Sherman, R. A. (2020). Personality theory and the nature of human

nature. Personality and Individual Differences, 152, 109561.

Hume, D. (2023). A Treatise on Human Nature: Vol. I. BoD–Books on Demand.

Midgley, M. (2021). Beast and man: The roots of human nature. Routledge.

Smith, R. (2021). What Is the History of the Human Sciences?. In The Palgrave Handbook of

the History of Human Sciences (pp. 1-26). Singapore: Springer Singapore.