Understanding Human Nature and Sin

📋 Course Outline

1. Human nature and dispositions
2. Augustine's original sin theory
3. The Fall and original sin
4. Inheritance of sin
5. Love: Cupiditas and Caritas
6. Concupiscence and bodily desire
7. Scientific critique of Fall
8. Augustine's biological errors
9. Evidence for human progress
10. Augustine's doctrine of grace
11. Predestination and election
12. Pelagius' free will view

📖 1. Human nature and dispositions

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

Human nature refers to the set of dispositions that humans are born with. It is characterized as the way the human mind is “naturally” functioning, meaning in a state without influence from cultural or social factors. In this context, human nature is considered an innate aspect of human beings that exists independently of external shaping forces. Augustine (date unspecified): asserts that human nature exists but is corrupted by original sin, indicating that while the fundamental dispositions are present from birth, they are not perfect or unblemished.

Dispositions are the innate tendencies or inclinations that form part of human nature. These are the qualities or characteristics that individuals are born with, which influence their behavior, thoughts, and moral capacities. Dispositions are seen as fundamental to understanding what humans are inherently like, prior to any social or cultural influence.