Introduction
Epistemological philosophy explores knowledge as a concept, considering its structure and functioning. One of David Hume’s epistemological concepts implies that humans are driven by an instinct to place faith in an existing universe that is independent of perception, whether it be a complete conviction or agnostic doubt (Olech 30). It is implied that a person is born with certain attitudes that can control their thinking or behavior in the future. This concept is not correct because it implies that a person has some basic instincts, which, with their minimum number, do not imply complete dominance over behavior. Despite some innate skills, human actions are poorly regulated by these instincts, which are associated with survival but not with cognitive development and the use of the mind.
To prove the absence of instincts in a person, it is necessary to clarify what is meant by the basic concept of instinct. An instinct is a built-in program of functioning characteristics of a particular species that determines basic behavioral patterns and reactions to external factors. It is an innate program that no one teaches the individual.
Instincts in Animals vs. Humans
At the same time, all individuals of a certain species follow instincts, with the minimum exceptions. In this basic program implied in animal species lies one of the main differences between humans and animals. Although a person has some innate skills that are of particular importance in the first years of life, these skills are poorly comparable with cognitive development, which critically distinguishes the human being from the animal.
The most popular instincts that are attributed to people are the instincts of self-preservation and the maternal instinct. While comparing the former in humans and animals, it is stronger in fauna. Nevertheless, people also demonstrate unconditional resistance to possible death, except in cases of suicide, which can be interpreted in the context of individual cognitive development.
There are animals capable of committing suicide, but this is indeed an exception since they do it for the survival of the rest of the population with limited resources. The presence of maternal instinct is also not confirmed in the human population. Maternal instinct implies an innate need to reproduce, which is observed in animals. A person, in turn, can consciously refuse to bear children and can control the number of their offspring.
From birth, a person does not know how to care for offspring or how the reproduction process takes place. Animals, in turn, have basic instincts and do not need to be taught how to have new offspring. Another proof of the lack of maternal instinct is the presence of postpartum depression, which cannot appear with a laid reproductive program.
Unconditioned Reflexes vs. Instincts
Unconditioned reflexes are mechanisms that better describe human behavior, which is similar to instincts in animals. Due to developed cognitive skills and consciousness, a person communicates and learns, thereby gaining new experiences through interaction with other people. The simplest example of an unconditioned reflex is removing one’s hand from something hot.
However, a person also receives reflexes at the initial stages of life, guided by the experience gained. In this case, a reflex is a simple action, a response to a stimulus, or a representation of a need. The instinct is an innate program of action that pursues a specific goal.
Conclusion
Cognitive development and consciousness are more important determinants of human behavior than innate instincts, which are stronger in the animal kingdom. All conditional and unconditional actions that a person performs automatically are acquired in the early stages of development, although some attainments, such as sucking, are innate. A person cannot have basic attitudes that determine their further behavior, development, or actions. Insufficiently strong development of instincts in comparison with the animal world is one of the examples of a highly organized person.
Work Cited
Olech, Adam. The Semantic Theory of Knowledge. Peter Lang, 2020.