Journal of East China Normal University (Philosophy and Social Sciences) ›› 2021, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (1): 1-10.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5579.2021.01.001

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Within the Limits of Human Nature:Reflections on Technology and Humanities

Huai-hong HE   

  • Online:2021-01-15 Published:2021-01-27

Abstract:

Nowadays, the serious imbalance between technology and humanities and that between the capability to control things and the ability of self-control reminds us to think over the ignored issue of human nature. The major risk that human beings face today may come from humankind itself. Human nature means not only ideal possibilities but also limits to feasibility, which determines the scope of what human beings can expect and what we can do. Human nature can be good and human beings are moving towards good. Is it possible, however, for the humankind to achieve universal and infinite perfection? Infinite progress in a single direction has formed a modern "myth", which has prompted high and new technology to go beyond the scope within human control and the moral domain that human can bear. Hence, we shall consider an approach of periodic improvement and sustainable balance. We may accept primary universal moral norms to restrict our behaviors. We may also regulate our pursuit of values, eventually converting from the simple pursuit for the ability to control things or satisfy our material desire to the spiritual enrichment and development.

Key words: technology, humanities, human nature, progress