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What is it really though? What is it about humans that (non-physically) differentiates us from all other life forms?
Now, you see - personally, I must argue these are questions with a lot of difference. After all, this division, whilst perhaps a rationale to the nature of what humans are. It not neccessarily the whole sum of humanity. Nor, is it neccessariyl actually part of "human nature". Perhaps being a somewhat artificial thing.
To answer the latter, since I've asked it myself a few times and answered having been satisfied by an answer. I would say that what makes humans seperate is their capability to social contract. Whilst other species may demonstrate this, humans in particular - show a different ability at such things. To the point where a one would think a significant distinction formed.
Now, to human nature - a difficult premise in and of itself. To create a "nature" to humanity, one has to find something common. Ignoring the biological (given human nature is oft a response in psychological or sociological arguments), I find myself left to consider only a single possibility. The rest having been thrown out for too much variance. The remaining area of concernation being morality.
Thus, we are left (assuming i did not erroneously throw something out) to ask "what common morality exists?" The problem here is the number of cultures that differ even on this. Whilst most formulate moral codes demanding certain actions aren't performed. The problem is where they cop out to say "it's ok in this instance" as may occur. Thus, one could argue differentiation is an inherent thing to humanity. After all, note social classes, nationalities, religions, groups within societies, so forth - there seems to be pretty strong definitions and catagorizations for anything that might try to act as a full hegemony.
Thus, I suppose I hit;
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In fact, does human nature even have to be something that differentiates us?
And have to say, prima facie of my argument. It inherently does by said differentiation being nature.
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Can we share our characteristics with other life forms and still be have it be part of our defining features?
Something I cannot comment on. Grant me another sentient species to observe intereactions with.
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What is intrinsic and what is learned? Is there anything that ISN'T learned?
Supposedly, intelligence levels (rate of learning information as opposed to information known - to cut a possible misconception) are mostly genetic.