PHIL 200 1st Edition Lecture 14Outline of Last Lecture I. The Case against desire satisfaction theory (2e-2g)II. Two theories of human natureOutline of Current Lecture III. Argument from Equality (reasons for and against)IV. Argument from the plasticity of humansV. The view from elementary psychologyCurrent LectureIII: Argument from Equality (reasons for and against)Why think 2 is true? -the idea is, what motivated the early political moves away from monarchies towards democracies. No one is born like a king, completely separate and ‘higher’ than anyone else-there are also worries about how robust theory of human nature, one that recognizes innate differencesbetween sexes or races, could justify discriminatory laws and policies-policies that recommend different treatment for children, or different treatment of the poor, might be enacted on the basis of innate differences among various individuals{we are all basically the same}Criticism for the argument from equality-premise 1 is not true. It is not an explanation for a theory of human nature to explain why humans are all morally equal. That is, theories of human nature don’t have that job; they are only supposed to describe human nature.-the equality of humans is a moral idea. We believe in it despite whatever innate differences might exist. In other words, even if there are differences in the innate endowments of individuals, we still grand them equal rights (like right to life, right to vote, or freedom of speech)These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.IV: Argument from the plasticity of humansArgument from the plasticity of humans:1.) acceptable theories of human nature must explain how humans are so adaptable and good at learning everything2.) only blank slate theories can explain that adaptability and learning performance (or they at least explain it the best)3.) so the blank slate theory is the only acceptable theory of human nature (or is the best theory of human nature)criticism against premise 1:-again it seems like the argument supposes there is data to explain, but the data is not real data. Humansare not really that great at adaptability and learning everythingV: The view from evolutionary psychologyThe View from evolutionary psychology (non blank slate theory)- we have a lot of innate endowments (that constitute a robust human nature)- -‘savages’ , so to say, are definitely not noble- most say we still have free will1.) biases toward the in groupa. there are experiments that show it is possible to create an in group bias simply by flipping a coin (to determine which of the arbitrarily selected groups gets a prize) we naturally have group solidarity2.) Different behaviors of the sexesa. Owing to biological
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