The application of Critical Theory to concepts of human nature—examining how claims about what
humans "naturally" are reflect social values and serve political interests. Critical Theory of Human Nature asks: Why are certain traits called "natural"? Who benefits from defining
humans as competitive, selfish, aggressive? Could human nature include plasticity, cooperation, solidarity? How have claims about human nature been used to justify inequality? It doesn't deny that
humans have biological constraints but insists that "human nature" is never
just descriptive—it's always prescriptive, always political.
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Humans are naturally competitive, they say. Critical Theory of Human Nature asks: naturally? Or socialized under capitalism? Humans cooperate too, share too, care too. Which 'nature' you emphasize reflects your
politics. Critical theory insists on asking: who benefits from the 'selfish
gene' story? And what would change if we told different stories about who we are?"