It seems a simple question, but is far from it!
Rob leads a discussion, exploring the origins of our species and what differentiates a human from a person. The implications of our conclusions affect our views on many contentious issues including animals rights, artificial intelligence and when life begins, but we begin with a clip from Wonder Woman...
As this clip shows, it's sometimes easy to tell when something's not human! However, as Rob demonstrates, it's not always that straightforward...
Exploring the realms of science and philosophy, Rob explores the differences between humanity and personhood.
Rob invites us to consider whether we think the people in these photos are human. persons, both or something else entirely!
Rob reflects on the quiz and the implications and complications of each example before exploring the idea of Imago Dei, and asking to what extent humans are like God. Rob then offers some questions for discussion:
Can we capture the essence of humans in science alone: are we more than physical "meat-machines"?
What does religion or spirituality have to add to that understanding?
How much of that is healthy and what elements are not?
Rob wraps up with a seasonal reference to the Christmas story. What does the incarnation of Jesus tell us about what it means to be human?
So, what do you think? What is a human? What other questions does this question raise?
We'd love to hear your thoughts.
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