La culture - Philosophie - Terminale

Introduction and Definition of Culture

In this section, the concept of culture is introduced and its association with nature is discussed.

The Concept of Culture

• Culture is often associated with nature, and there are many prejudices surrounding these two ideas.

• Prejudices include labeling someone as "savage" if they are not considered cultured or civilized.

• There is a contradiction in criticizing both those who are too natural and those who are against nature.

• It is important to question whether it is possible to distinguish between the natural and cultural aspects of human beings.

Different Definitions of Culture

This section explores different definitions of culture, including individual and collective perspectives.

Individual Perspective

• In an individual sense, culture refers to the formation of one's mind and general knowledge acquired through education.

• The term "cultivate oneself" implies acquiring cultural knowledge.

Collective Perspective

• From a collective perspective, culture encompasses the practices, beliefs, and knowledge specific to a community that are passed down through generations.

• Different cultures have their own identities and histories.

Universal Perspective

• Universally, culture refers to artificial development based on human work, contrasting with nature.

• Examples include society, work, art, religion - all considered universal cultural phenomena.

• These three senses of culture are interconnected with the triple identity of individuals: individual, collective, and universal.

Nature vs. Culture in Human Identity

This section discusses the concept of human nature and its relationship with culture.

Nature in Human Identity

• The idea of "nature humaine" suggests that humans have a stable identity distinguished by permanent properties that separate them from other living beings.

• These properties can be categorized into innate characteristics and instinctive behaviors inherited through biological heredity.

Culture in Human Identity

• Culture, on the other hand, refers to acquired characteristics and conventional behaviors that are attributed to society.

• These cultural aspects are transmitted through social inheritance, such as language and education.

Interplay between Nature and Culture

• The concept of human nature allows for the conception of a universal humanity beyond cultural differences.

• However, it can also be used to exclude individuals who do not fit the criteria of this nature.

• Certain customs or practices may be considered "against nature" based on this perspective.

Critique of the Idea of Human Nature

This section explores the potential misuse and limitations of the concept of human nature.

The Potential for Exclusion

• The idea of human nature can be easily used to reject those who do not resemble us.

• It raises questions about legitimacy and whether it is justifiable to use the concept to exclude others.

Example: L'Enfant Sauvage (The Wild Child)

This section presents an example from a film that challenges the notion of universal human nature.

The Story of L'Enfant Sauvage

• The film tells the story inspired by Victor de l'Aveyron, a child found in the woods who had seemingly lived in nature away from other humans.

• He exhibited animal-like behavior and lacked language skills when discovered.

• This example demonstrates that there is no universal human nature with innate reasoning or language abilities that distinguish us from animals.

Conclusion

The concept of culture is often associated with ideas about nature. While culture encompasses both individual and collective aspects, it can be contrasted with innate characteristics attributed to human nature. However, it is important to critically examine the idea of human nature and its potential for exclusion. The example of L'Enfant Sauvage challenges the notion of a universal human nature by highlighting the absence of innate language abilities in a child raised in isolation.

New Section

This section discusses the concept of defining human nature based on biological functions and cultural influences.

Defining Human Nature

• Our biological functions are influenced by our environment, including our diet and habits. However, these biological functions do not differentiate humans from animals or define a human nature.

• Cultural influences shape even the most basic instincts and impulses of humans. Society often labels certain cultural values as "natural" to give them universal and permanent characteristics.

• Sociologist Bourdieu coined the term "seconde nature" to describe deeply rooted acquired characteristics that are difficult to change.

• Many stereotypes about gender roles and sexual orientation are culturally constructed rather than being inherent in human nature.

New Section

This section explores the idea that culture is an essential aspect of human nature.

Culture as Human Nature

• Culture is not something added onto human nature but rather what transforms and creates it.

• The myth of Prometheus illustrates how humans, initially lacking qualities compared to animals, gained extraordinary abilities through culture, such as inventing tools for survival.

• The ability of humans to change themselves is called perfectibility, which distinguishes them from plants and animals who remain fixed in their natural state.

• Humans can evolve both positively and negatively throughout their lives due to their capacity for change.

New Section

This section highlights the interplay between natural and cultural elements in human behavior.

Natural vs Cultural Elements

• It is challenging to distinguish between natural and cultural elements in human behavior. For example, eating is both a natural need and a cultural practice with specific meal times, utensils, and social interactions.

• Emotions like anger or love have both natural components (feelings) and cultural expressions (such as vocalizations or gestures).

• The expression of emotions is conventionally learned through cultural transmission rather than being inherited.

• Our understanding of what is "natural" is often limited to our own culture, and it's important to avoid ethnocentrism and recognize the variability of human experiences across different cultures.

New Section

This section emphasizes the influence of culture on our perceptions and feelings.

Cultural Influence

• Our perceptions, feelings, and even our sense of self are shaped by the culture we belong to.

• It is crucial to acknowledge that everything, including our emotions, can vary according to the cultural context.

• Understanding different cultures helps us avoid considering one culture as superior or more civilized than others.

• The diversity in cultural expressions enriches our understanding of human nature.

New Section

The video concludes with a recap and encourages viewers to engage in cultural discussions.

Recap and Conclusion

• The video highlights that human nature cannot be easily defined solely based on biological functions but should consider the significant influence of culture.

• Cultural practices shape our behaviors, emotions, and perceptions, blurring the line between natural and cultural elements.

• Recognizing the impact of culture on human nature promotes a broader perspective that appreciates diverse experiences.

• Viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts and expand their knowledge about different cultures.