na⋅ture
–noun
1. the material world, esp. as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.
2. the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization.
3. the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.
4. natural scenery.
5. the universe, with all its phenomena.
6. the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe.
7. reality, as distinguished from any effect of art: a portrait true to nature.
8. the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character: human nature.
9. the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct: a man of good nature.
10. character, kind, or sort: two books of the same nature.
11. characteristic disposition; temperament: a self-willed nature; an evil nature.
12. the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind.
13. the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements.
14. a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state.
15. a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization: a return to nature.
16. (initial capital letter, italics
) a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism.
17. Theology. the moral state as unaffected by grace.
—Idioms
18. by nature, as a result of inborn or inherent qualities; innately: She is by nature a kindhearted person.
19. in a state of nature, a. in an uncivilized or uncultured condition. b. without clothes; nude; naked.
20. of or in the nature of, having the character or qualities of: in the nature of an apology.
Whilst perusing various discussions and debates in various forums pertaining to ethics and morality (woo!) I came across several instances where people would back their position or opinion with statements along the lines of "It's unnatural" or "It's a natural thing".
It came to me that much of what we define as right and wrong, as acceptable or taboo- is largely dependent on our thoughts of nature and being natural.
I would assume that since all things exist in this universe, all things, by the very definition of existence- are natural. Not even the obscurity or the complexity of any particular human behavior is exempt. I don't think it's appropriate to link nature or 'being natural' to any opinion regarding ethics or morality.
How can we, as people define the boundaries of nature? We are not third-party observers of it. We function _in_ it. Our understanding of what nature is, is vital. But, what can we truly say we know about it?
What do you think?
–noun
1. the material world, esp. as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.
2. the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization.
3. the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.
4. natural scenery.
5. the universe, with all its phenomena.
6. the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe.
7. reality, as distinguished from any effect of art: a portrait true to nature.
8. the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character: human nature.
9. the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct: a man of good nature.
10. character, kind, or sort: two books of the same nature.
11. characteristic disposition; temperament: a self-willed nature; an evil nature.
12. the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind.
13. the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements.
14. a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state.
15. a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization: a return to nature.
16. (initial capital letter, italics
17. Theology. the moral state as unaffected by grace.
—Idioms
18. by nature, as a result of inborn or inherent qualities; innately: She is by nature a kindhearted person.
19. in a state of nature, a. in an uncivilized or uncultured condition. b. without clothes; nude; naked.
20. of or in the nature of, having the character or qualities of: in the nature of an apology.
Whilst perusing various discussions and debates in various forums pertaining to ethics and morality (woo!) I came across several instances where people would back their position or opinion with statements along the lines of "It's unnatural" or "It's a natural thing".
It came to me that much of what we define as right and wrong, as acceptable or taboo- is largely dependent on our thoughts of nature and being natural.
I would assume that since all things exist in this universe, all things, by the very definition of existence- are natural. Not even the obscurity or the complexity of any particular human behavior is exempt. I don't think it's appropriate to link nature or 'being natural' to any opinion regarding ethics or morality.
How can we, as people define the boundaries of nature? We are not third-party observers of it. We function _in_ it. Our understanding of what nature is, is vital. But, what can we truly say we know about it?
What do you think?
----- I just pray that science some day is important to social activists.
