Who owns human nature : A review

An essay by Marjorie Garber titled "Who owns human nature" was published in 2006 , her principal weapon is the claim that "[language] is not a secondary but a primary constituent of human nature". She might intend the view that human nature is linguistically constructed.It also delves into the complex and controversial question of who has the authority to define and control our understanding of human nature. In this thought- she explores the intersections of science, literature, philosophy, and culture, challenging conventional notions of human nature as fixed and universal. Garber's essay prompts readers to reevaluate the power structures and ideologies that influence our perceptions of what it means to be human and how this impacts various aspects of our lives.

Garber delves into the idea that certain attributes, characteristics, or behaviors are often claimed or appropriated by individuals, institutions, or societies. She challenges these notions by examining various aspects of human nature, such as gender, sexuality, and identity, and questions whether they can truly be owned or controlled by any one entity. Garber writes, "is that today's humanists are asking 'human nature' questions all the time, when they talk about psychic violence, or material culture, or epistemic breaks, or the history of the book, or the counterintuitive. One of the central themes in Garber's essay is the fluidity and diversity of human nature. She argues that human nature is not static but rather a dynamic and evolving concept, shaped by culture, history, and individual experiences. This challenges the notion of ownership, as it becomes difficult to claim ownership over something that is in a constant state of flux. Garber also highlights the power dynamics involved in the ownership of human nature. She discusses how certain groups or institutions have historically sought to control and define aspects of human nature to maintain their dominance and authority. This includes the regulation of gender roles, sexual norms, and cultural identity. Garber's approach is why the prestige of the humanities should be thought to rest on a pervasive engagement with human nature. It is as though she concedes to the critics of the liberal arts that the study of a local tradition or form – lyric poetry, Greek tragedy, the Victorian novel are pointless. Furthermore, Garber delves into the idea of cultural appropriation, where elements of one culture are adopted or misappropriated by another. She questions whether it is ethical to claim ownership over cultural practices, symbols, or identities and explores the potential harm that can arise from such appropriation. She raises important ethical questions about the responsibility of individuals and societies in respecting and acknowledging the diversity of human nature. She also argues for a more inclusive and open-minded approach that embraces the complexity of human identity and nature. Garber examines the historical and philosophical perspectives on human nature. She traces the evolution of the concept from ancient Greek philosophy through the Enlightenment and into contemporary discussions. She highlights how different thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, and Rousseau, have offered contrasting views on what constitutes human nature, often shaped by the socio-political contexts of their times. One of the central themes of the book is the idea that the ownership of human nature has been a contentious issue throughout history. Garber argues that various groups and institutions, including religious authorities, political leaders, and scientific communities, have attempted to claim authority over the definition and control of human nature. This control, she suggests, has been used to justify power structures and influence social norms.

Throughout the book, Garber emphasizes the fluid and evolving nature of human identity. She argues that human nature is not fixed but rather subject to ongoing reevaluation and reconstruction. This perspective challenges the idea that any one group or ideology can lay exclusive claim to defining what it means to be human. In "Who Owns Human Nature?," Marjorie Garber engages with a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, ethics, literature, and science. Her work invites readers to critically examine the ownership and definition of human nature in a world where traditional boundaries and norms are continually shifting.

In conclusion, Marjorie Garber's essay, "Who Owns Human Nature?" challenges traditional notions of ownership and control over aspects of human nature. It explores the historical, philosophical, and contemporary debates surrounding the concept of human nature. She emphasizes the fluid and diverse nature of humanity, questions the power dynamics involved in claiming ownership, and raises ethical concerns about cultural appropriation. This essay encourages readers to reconsider their perspectives on what it means to own or control elements of human nature and calls for a more inclusive and respectful approach to the rich tapestry of human identity.