Assessing Human Character in History
When we study history, we come into contact with something called `philosophical assessment'. In other words, we analyze how humans think, react, behave, and interact with one another. Philosophy is part of the study of history. For thousands of years, philosophers have tried (and continue to try, even now) to understand why things are the way they are, why we behave the way we do, and, to some extent, whether or not we are capable to breaking patterns of behavior that are counter-productive or bad for society.
As we study history (from the beginning of recorded events right on up to the present) we encounter patterns. Lots of them. For example, there's always a war going on somewhere. There is competition for power. Individuals and societies often try to expand their influence. Some people find themselves at the bottom of the power pyramid, others at the top of it. Societies struggle to find balance, and achieve levels of fairness so that things work for the majority of us. It isn't always easy. How a society functions is often determined by circumstance, or by the prevailing sensibilities of those with power and influence.
Sometimes socieites are successful and function well, other times things don't quite work and there is dissatisfaction among people. As you study history you will assess human character-- how we behave as individuals, and groups. Sometimes you'll read history and think `wow, we are incredible, us humans!' We create great works of art, we come up with great ideas, we succeed in achieving incredible scientific and technological accomplishments! We work together when challenging events hit us'.
Other times when you read history you'll think `ew, we're terrible, us humans. We kill each other, we use each other for our own personal gain, we manipulate each other, we destroy things'. How is it that history can be full of so much awesomeness, and at the same time be filled with so many evil, tragedy, and wrong-doing? That's the challenge of studying history-- we have to assess human character, We are forced to look at our past and figure it all out. I personally think it's why some people don't like history-- it forces them to look into a mirror and make judgments, and figure out patterns. At the same time, this is what makes history so fascinating. So be prepared to do a lot of analyzing. As we study the past, we study who we are as humans.
Question: Determine three events in history (at any point in it) that, in your view, serve as examples of human awesomeness. In a paragraph response for each, briefly explain them, and why you think they illustrate positive elements of the human condition. Next, determine three events in history (again, at any point) that suggest the opposite-- events that have occurred that suggest a less flattering narrative of the human condition.