Our Posthuman Future Analysis

This paper examines the concepts of human nature, human dignity, and theory of emergence characterized by Francis Fukuyama in Our Posthuman Future. Furthermore, the emergence of human dignity from human nature is discussed. The meaning of human nature is tremendously contested among intellectuals. One theory, Contra Naturam, states no unique human universals emanate from a common nature. Proponents of Contra Naturam believe human behavior is solely a response to an organism's environment, negating the concept of human nature. In contrast, Fukuyama defines human nature as a combination of characteristics and behaviors that are species-typical. The characteristics typical of the human species stem from human genetics, not environmental factors. As Fukuyama states, human nature doesn't involve invariable genetic determination. Natural characteristics, like human height, exhibit large variance within a species. Thus, a species-typical universal doesn't exist, rather a distribution of a species-typical characteristic. Under Fukuyama's
Human dignity commands recognition and respect for all human beings; establishing equality of human rights. Fukuyama states human dignity arises from Factor X, a quality universal to all humans, i.e., what is means to be human. Due to the materialistic account of the universe, Factor X is difficult to describe because divinities are hard to invoke and species essences unprovable. According to Fukuyama, Factor X is a sum all the species-typical qualities, i.g., moral choice, language, reason, sociability, sentience, emotions, and consciousness within a human being. The defining qualities of human dignity are contingent on each other. For example, human reason is facilitated by emotion. Therefore, Factor X, a genetic endowment that all human being possesses, constitutes human