The Problem of Man in Philosophy

The Problem of The Relationship between The Biological and The Social in Humanity

The essence of humanity, formed through history, presents a complex interplay between the biological and the social, or between anthropogenesis and sociogenesis. Each of these dimensions possesses its own specificity and adheres to distinct laws. The process of anthropogenesis follows the principles of biological evolution. The defining characteristic of such evolution is that only those traits of an organism that contribute, in one way or another, to the survival and reproduction of the species are generated and passed down through generations. In other words, only those genes necessary for the replication of those very genes are preserved. Consequently, evolution has fostered in Homo sapiens bodily and psychological traits that correspond to the actual conditions of life. Natural selection occurred, promoting the development of bipedalism, the formation of the human hand, and most importantly, the enhancement of the brain. Rather than ensuring survival through instincts, human evolution pursued survival through intellect.

The accumulation and transformation of this intellect were most pronounced during the primordial stage of human existence, when group selection—dependent on the quality of genes as carriers of their holders’ intellectual potential—secured the immediate survival and development, or demise, of entire lineages.

The emergence of civilizations, cities, and states sharply diminishes the intensity of natural selection regarding the genetic changes of the brain and psyche, which facilitate the growth of human intelligence and optimize the development of many other personal qualities. Therefore, there is reason to believe that we today are virtually indistinguishable from Cro-Magnons as they existed 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Does this imply that the biological evolution of humanity has completely ceased? This question remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, many scholars lean towards the view that it indeed continues. Among the factors driving human biological evolution in contemporary conditions, several can be identified. First and foremost, we must consider the existence of genetic mutations. Additionally, structural and functional changes in the human brain are occurring, which over 30 to 40 generations (approximately 1,000 years) may lead to the emergence of new psychological capabilities. Finally, we should not dismiss the possibilities and consequences of genetic engineering, which fundamentally allows for the deliberate alteration of human genetic inheritance.

As we can see, the presence of natural selection mechanisms at this stage of human development cannot be overlooked. Although such selection is losing its decisive importance for the further evolution of humanity as a biological species and social being—a point emphasized by leading geneticists—the biological factor remains an intrinsic component of human existence. For like any living organism, humanity embodies all the attributes of life: metabolism, heredity, variability, and so forth. The biological nature of humans dictates physiological life needs, and the social existence of individuals must be structured to create conditions that satisfy those needs inherent to them as living beings. The peculiarities of the human body determine the physicochemical properties of the environment in which humans can exist normally (atmospheric composition, radiation levels, atmospheric pressure, etc.). The biological origin of the human life cycle is demarcated through distinct stages—birth, childhood, youth, maturity, old age, and death. The biological nature of humanity also embeds organic differences between men and women, which relates to numerous phenomena of social reality—love, marriage, family, division of labor and social functions, production of clothing and cosmetics, organization of leisure and entertainment.

Considering the above, one cannot underestimate the significance of natural and biological factors in human life. Yet, simultaneously, its natural-biological characteristics serve merely as “primitive, unformed material,” which is transformed and shaped in accordance with the norms and rules of life that are formed and constantly change within society. This indicates that all natural physiological processes associated with human existence occur within social and cultural conditions. Such conditions leave specific imprints on the natural-physiological characteristics of human activity.

From this, we can conclude that the social factor, firstly, contributes to the alteration of the environment in which humans exist. It dictates the unfolding of an artificial, mechanized environment in which humans live, which nearly completely isolates humanity from nature and creates a “second nature” surrounding individuals on all sides.

Secondly, due to the social factor, the character of the natural needs of the human organism changes, such that their satisfaction is regulated by existing cultural rules and customs.

Thirdly, culture manifests as a multitude of prohibitions imposed on human behavior, restraining and suppressing its natural, “animalistic” forms.

Fourthly, social conditions engender within individuals new, “supernatural,” socio-cultural needs.

Thus, in the context of social life, humanity develops under the aegis of interacting programs: the biological and the sociocultural. Here, the former remains relatively stable, while the latter is constantly subject to rapid historical changes. It is precisely these sociocultural transformations, rather than the biological characteristics of humanity, that imbue life with the content that transcends mere animal existence. Social existence “dictates” the conditions under which human biological being unfolds. Therefore, while humanity remains a biological entity, it primarily manifests as a social being.