What Does It Mean To Be Human? A Reflection On Perspectives

In this assignment, you are being asked to answer the question: (from your perspective): What does it mean to be human? This is a reflection / opinion based paper. However, you still need to be able to express your thought in a meaningful and organized way. Additionally, you need to be sure to directly address the central question. ReToP: 25 Points

This assignment must be submitted via “turn-it-in” before class on Monday. Assignments arriving past the deadline will receive late penalties as described in the syllabus.

Formatting Guidelines: WORD or Google Docs document, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced, no greater than 1 in margins, 500+ words.

Remember: Psychologists see being human as integrating or blending the following perspectives:

• Neuroscience/Biological Perspective: Structure and function of the brain influences who we are.
• Developmental Perspective: Genetic and environmental factors combine to shape who we are.
• Gestalt Perspective: Perception is an active process; biases affect how we see the world.
• Learning Perspective: Our ability to adapt and change is an essential piece of who we are.
• Cognitive Perspective: Our individual thoughts and motivation make each person unique.
• Behaviorist Perspective: Rewards and punishments shape who we are.
• Humanistic Perspective: Positive personal growth through life shapes who we are.
• Clinical Perspective: Understanding mental illness in ourselves and others is part of who we are.
• Social Perspective: Interactions with other people influence our identity.

Grading criteria:

• Proofreading / Formatting (0-5)
• Organization (0-5)
• Thoughtfulness (0-5)
• On topic / Clear conclusion (0-5)
• Gestalt (overall impression) (0-5)

What Does It Mean to Be Human? A Reflection on Perspectives

Understanding what it means to be human is a profound philosophical and psychological inquiry that encompasses biological, psychological, social, and existential dimensions. From my perspective, being human involves a complex interplay of biological processes, developmental influences, perception, learning, cognition, behavior, personal growth, mental health, and social interactions. These perspectives collectively shape our identity and our understanding of ourselves and others. In this paper, I will explore these perspectives to articulate what it means to be human, emphasizing their interdependence and significance.

Biological and Developmental Perspectives

The biological perspective underscores the importance of neuroscience and the structure and function of the brain in shaping human behavior and cognition. Our neural architecture, genetic makeup, and biological processes set the foundation for our capabilities, personalities, and even our perceptions. For instance, differences in brain regions are linked to varied emotional responses, decision-making abilities, and even susceptibility to mental health conditions (Gopnik et al., 2016). This biological basis is complemented by the developmental perspective, which emphasizes the influence of genetic factors and environmental stimuli throughout life. From conception, our genes interact with our surroundings, affecting our physical, cognitive, and emotional development (Sameroff, 2010). Together, these perspectives affirm that our humanity is rooted in biological and developmental factors that continually evolve across the lifespan.

Perception, Learning, and Cognitive Dimensions

The Gestalt perspective posits that perception is an active, integrated process where biases and prior experiences influence how we interpret the world (Koffka, 1935). This active perception demonstrates that our understanding of reality is subjective, highlighting that we do not see the world purely as it is, but through our mental filters. Furthermore, learning theories suggest that our ability to adapt, grow, and change is fundamental to being human. Experience-driven plasticity in the brain allows us to modify our behaviors and thoughts based on new information (Merzenich et al., 2014). Our cognition—thoughts, motivations, and beliefs—also contribute to our individuality. The cognitive perspective demonstrates that our mental processes help shape our identity and how we navigate the world, emphasizing that human uniqueness is closely tied to our internal mental frameworks.

Behavior, Personal Growth, Mental Health, and Social Interactions

The behaviorist perspective highlights that external reinforcement, punishment, and learned responses significantly influence who we are. Our actions are shaped by past experiences, environments, and social conditioning (Skinner, 1953). In contrast, the humanistic perspective emphasizes positive growth and self-actualization. By striving for personal fulfillment and authentic living, humans actively pursue meaning and purpose, which define our humanity (Maslow, 1943). Understanding mental health through the clinical perspective reveals that mental illnesses are integral to human experience, reminding us that vulnerability and resilience coexist within our nature (Beutler et al., 2004). Finally, social interactions profoundly influence our identities; the way we relate to others, cooperate, and communicate frames our social existence and reinforces the cultural components of humanity (Vygotsky, 1978). Our capacity to connect, empathize, and collaborate underscores that humans are social beings whose identities are shaped by collective experience.

Integrative Understanding of Humanity

To be human is to embody a dynamic mosaic of biological foundations, developmental histories, perceptual biases, learned behaviors, cognitive processes, and social connections. These elements operate collectively, illustrating the resilience, adaptability, complexity, and vulnerability of human existence. Recognizing the influence of these perspectives fosters empathy and a deeper appreciation of human diversity and shared experience. Ultimately, being human involves a continual process of growth, understanding, and connection, reflecting both our biological heritage and our capacity for meaning-making and relational engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to be human is to be a multifaceted entity shaped by biological, developmental, perceptual, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social influences. Our brains, genes, perceptions, memories, and social context intertwine to form our unique identities. This collective understanding of our nature invites us to embrace our complexities, nurture growth, and foster empathy in our relationships with others. Being human is thus an ongoing journey of discovery, adaptation, and connection in a shared existence that continually evolves.

References

• Beutler, L. E., et al. (2004). Integrative models of psychotherapy: Toward a new science of psychotherapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 14(2), 141–173.
• Gopnik, A., et al. (2016). The Philosophical Baby: What Children's Minds Tell Us About Truth, Love & the Good Life. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Koffka, K. (1935). Principles of Gestalt psychology. Harcourt Brace & World.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
• Merzenich, M. M., et al. (2014). Brain plasticity-based treatment of nerve injury and stroke. In Neuroplasticity (pp. 55–75). Academic Press.
• Sameroff, A. (2010). A unified theory of development: A dialectic approach. American Psychologist, 65(2), 161–170.
• Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.