Authors Conceptions of Human Nature Essay - 3901 Words

Authors Conceptions of Human Nature Philosophers, politicians, and writers throughout all of the western world and across all of our written history have discovered the importance of knowing human nature. Human nature is responsible for our definitions of abstract concepts that are surprisingly universal across the western world like justice, equity, and law. Human nature must also be carefully studied in an effort to understand, obtain, or maintain power within society. Finally, human nature must also be carefully understood so as to protect it from being manipulated and to understand its place in society. In ancient Greece, Aeschylus sought to define for the people of Athens the part of human nature that necessitates†¦show more content†¦During the course of this struggle, the Furies argue that the actions of Orestes must be answered, because consequences must be established for all punishable actions in order for a society to remain stable. This need arises out of a basic understanding of human nature: people often only act justly out of fear. The Furies remind Athena of this common behavior among humans: Here is overthrow of all the young laws, if the claim of this matricide shall stand good, his crime be sustained. Should this be, every man will find a way to act at his own caprice; over and over again in time to come, parents shall await the deathstroke at their children’s hands. (Aeschylus 152) The Furies disregard Athena’s plea for understanding when reaching justice, instead, they reason that when crimes remain unpunished, all people will lose their fear of committing similar actions and will discontinue acting responsibly because there will be no consequences. Athena agrees with the Furies and asks the question, â€Å"What / man who fears nothing at all is ever righteous?† (Aeschylus 160). Athena then gives justification to the system of justice of the Furies and allows them to be part of the justice system in Athens: â€Å"Such / be your just terrors, and you may deserve and have / salvation for your citadel, / your land’s defence† (160). Aeschylus moves from a traditional justice system, the Furies, to the widely accepted justice system ofShow MoreRelatedPlatos Views on Life after Death1388 Words   |  6 Pagesdestined to go on somewhere in some state of being. In just what sort of way the soul would endure was a matter of question, i n which at various points in his career as a writer Plato offered different accounts. Yet the most consistent part of this conception of the authors was the fact that the soul was everlasting. One of the positive effects of such a belief regarding the soul and its existence after the bodys physical death is that it can serve as motivation to lead a virtuous life. This factRead More1 Introduction. 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