What is the definition of man according to the Western philosophy?
Submitted by on Thu, 07/05/2020 - 13:57
Dear Brother / Sister,
Definition of Man According to Western Philosophy
Plato describes man as follows:
“Man is a featherless biped (a creature with two legs)”.
Diogenes stated that this definition of Plato’s does not represent man; he plucked a rooster, showed it to people and said, “That is the human being Plato describes”.
Aristotle describes man as follows:
“Man is a speaking animal”.
This description is far from showing the nature of man, his loftiness and the wisdom in his creation.
Darwin claimed that man was an animal that came into being by evolving from ape-like animals by chance.
As it can be seen, the philosophers who were not members of a true religion defined man as a featherless biped or a speaking animal.
The education system developed by the Western philosophy based on the definitions above was not in compliance with the natural structure of man; it did not address his certain feelings, emotions and thoughts, especially his desire for eternal life, and distanced him from ethical and human values. Consequently, it led the majority of humanity to oppression, contumacy, transgression, struggle, fight, conflict, and games and entertainment to satisfy the unending desires of his soul.
Questions on Islam
- Why is philosophy condemned? Can a Muslim oppose philosophy?
- What is philosophy? Is it likely for man to reach the truth by means of philosophy?
- Can a Muslim follow Stoic philosophy?
- How is man defined according to the Western philosophy and Islam?
- What are the various definitions of man according to Islam?
- What is the idea of materialism?
- What are the views of ancient philosophers regarding the hereafter?
- Can religion-science relationship be established in a healthy way?
- RELIGIONS, RITUALS AND DOCTRINES
- What are the principles of the education system in the Islamic civilization?