Video - What Makes Us Truly Human? Exploring the Essence Beyond Biology

What does it mean to be truly human? Is it our biology, our consciousness, or something beyond the tangible that defines us? Exploring the question of what constitutes our humanity has intrigued philosophers for centuries. From Aristotle’s concept of the rational animal to Descartes’ famous "Cogito, ergo sum," the essence of our being has been dissected across countless schools of thought. But what if our humanity is more about relationships and our capacity for empathy and moral judgment rather than just our cognitive abilities? Philosophers like Emmanuel Levinas argue that it is our ethical responsibility to others that truly defines us, a notion that challenges the often individualistic perspective of modern society. Yet, the definition remains fluid as existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre contend that our essence is not predefined but continually shaped by our actions and choices. Perhaps accepting the multifaceted and ever-evolving nature of our humanity can open new pathways for understanding ourselves and each other, reminding us that it’s the interplay of mind, body, and spirit, within the web of our social connections, that makes us truly human.