Analytical Review: Uniqueness of Human Being (Research Paper Sample)

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Analytical Review: Uniqueness of Human Being
Richard in his article for Psychological and Philosophical Perspectives, Being Human, argues that human beings are unique creatures capable of making right and wrong decisions (Gross 21). After analyzing his argument, the paper shall argue that, although a person might support Richard’s focus too heavily on the uniqueness of a human being, they should as well bring distinction in the perspective of human being as an animal. In other words, clear out the existing confusion of human beings as animals (Gross 21-22).
In developing his argument on the uniqueness of human beings, Richard surveys several elements that contribute to the declaration of the uniqueness of human beings. For instance, Richard reveals the distinctiveness of the human being based on the theory of philosophical dualism (Gross 26). This theory suggests that the universe is composed of two kinds of substance: the kind that has breadth, length, weight as well as other material properties and the mind that has no possession of these properties (Gross 26). In relation to this explanation, the important factor is that only human beings contain the mind. While humans can scientifically study the body, inclusive of the mind, they can only examine the mind or study it through a method referred to as introspection (Gross 26). According to Richard (26), only human beings have this capacity. Therefore, an automaton machine stimulates almost each action done by a human being.
What makes this argument troubling is that Richard did not classify human beings in the group of animals. Although at times regarded as animals, human beings, appear unique to animals. It is vital to note a slight distinction that the comparison of Human being to animals, for instance, a cat, does not exist. Indeed, human beings have free will or rather the ability to choose and make decisions; hence, by definition, animals are not unique since they lack free will.
Richard also reveals the uniqueness of human beings by referring to them as distinct creatures (Gross 15). Throughout his argument, one important and pivotal point is the assumption made on human beings as Homo sapiens, literally meaning wise men (Gross 15). This argument is controversial; the question is since when did the modern human turn to us and how did we start differing from our hominid ancestors. It is true, human beings have an origin, but no one has verified the origin of human as from the apes. To be specific, the debate between academic scholars and anthropologist to determine the origin of human beings is still in progress. Despite Richard closing out on the distinction of a human being to animals, the information he uses clearly explains the uniqueness of human beings (Gross 15-17). Richard’s argument defines the critical aspect and fully supports his thesis.
In Richard’s argument, some of the examples he relates with to support his facts do not conform to the wish of most people. The comparison of the uniqueness of human beings with chimpanzees does not clearly sound right (Gross 40). Though his relation to the chimpanzees appears very informative, Richard would have opted to use another example rather than using the example of the chimpanzees (Gross 40). In the old age, people believed that, from the creation story, human beings formed from the transformation of apes, an idea most of the people do not want to internalize.
Richard Gross is very skillful in his writing. The style of writing observes the rules of writing and utilizes them in developing his idea through the article. First, the usage of the words to connect ideas from one sentence to another is very recommendable. His writing captures the attention of the reader because of the quality of its sounds, for instance, via consonance and assonance. Second, Richard combines both long sentences and short sentences in his writing. Through these sentences, Richard does not use much of subordinate clause, rather he skillfully utilize the sentences by combining both subject clause and a subordinate clause. In addition, his sentences show no element of fragments and are free from digressions, or rather, interruptions. Third, the structure of his paragraphs conforms to the standards of writing. Most of his paragraphs starts with a topic sentence, which introduces the objective of the paragraph; a supporting sentence from other authors, and a conclusion that closes up the paragraph. In addition, Richard’s paragraphs are not too long, as well not too short. They are standard and well formulated.
Finally, the overall organization of the content is has a proper formulation. Richard begins with an introduction all through his chapters that introduces the content that will be present in the respective chapters. Richard also structures his contents in topic form, a skill that helps readers visualize easily and understand the content in the article. In addition, Richard’s experience enables him to use correct punctuation marks such as commas, full stops, and question marks all through his writing. These facilitate a perfect continuation of ideas from one sentence to another, and from one paragraph to the next paragraph.
Richard in his article for Psychological and Philosophical Perspectives, Being Human claims the uniqueness of human beings should not be a comparison to any creature that does not deserve to be unique (Gross 15). As such, this forms the basis of his writing all through the article. As a psychologist, Richard believes drawing theories for different disciplines and investigating on them is right. Concerning the persistent debate about the position of human beings concerning other objects, Richard found a topic he felt was worth researching. The urge to reveal the truth and facts that the society and scholars will consider right, motivated him to proceed (Gross 4). The fight for proof of the uniqueness of human beings forms the central discussion all through his article. For instance, all along Richard’s claims, he used examples that directed to prove human beings as unique creatures (Gross 26-41). The perceptions of the mind and the i...