Metaphysics: Discussion, Reflection, Synthesis ( Personhood)

In Moral Prejudices: Essays on Ethics, Annette Baier wrote: “Persons are born to earlier persons, and learn the arts of personhood from other persons. These arts include the self-consciousness which follows from mutual recognition, along with the sort of representation that speech makes possible…. The first persons we recognize as such are those who greet us, call to us, and answer our calls. Our personhood is responsive….” Furthermore, knowledge of personhood is gained through the witnessing of others experiences of life. However, how will the various and diverse experiences and arts of personhood affect the level of common potentialities to the human species?    

As discussed in the following philosophical studies and analysis of Human nature by Mortimer Adlerl,  a specific nature that is common to all members of the human species is the level of common potentialities. However, due to diversity cultural, physical or even religious circumstances, etc  – these effects can surely play a role in that human capability or common potentialities. When referring to the statement by Baier, it explains that art and knowledge of personhood is taught by other persons, however if that very person, who is being an example of future knowledge of personhood, lacks in a particular area of common potentiality; a change in the level of human capability will differ for the group of people who are being taught the basics of personhood from this “leader”.  However due to the basic biological needs and wants (referring to the Maslow hierarchy of needs) there are various common potentialities that has to be met in order to proceed on with tasks or for basic survival skills (such as communicating).As stated in the analysis in Adlerl, there is a big difference between the potentialities of nature and nurture, however how the potentialities of nature are taught can differ as it is taught through experiences. One might lack a certain aspect of the capability and one might be an expert. Overall, the natural common potentialities are always met in order to fulfill and meet biological needs.