Human Being vs. Person

Attribute	Human Being	Person
Definition	A member of the species Homo sapiens	An individual with legal rights and responsibilities
Physical Characteristics	Biological features such as height, weight, and appearance	May include physical characteristics as well as clothing and accessories
Emotions	Capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions	Also capable of experiencing emotions
Intelligence	Varies among individuals	Varies among individuals
Legal Status	Not necessarily recognized as having legal rights	Recognized as having legal rights and responsibilities

Attributes of Human Beings

Human beings are biological entities that belong to the species Homo sapiens. They are characterized by their physical attributes such as having a bipedal stance, large brains, and the ability to communicate through language. Human beings have a complex nervous system that allows them to think, reason, and experience emotions. They are also capable of using tools and technology to manipulate their environment.

Attributes of Persons

Persons, on the other hand, are legal and moral entities that possess certain rights and responsibilities. While all human beings are persons, not all persons are human beings. For example, corporations and other legal entities can be considered persons under the law. Persons have the capacity for self-awareness, rationality, and moral agency. They are able to make decisions, form relationships, and participate in society.

Physical Attributes

Human beings have a physical body that is subject to biological processes such as growth, aging, and death. They have sensory organs that allow them to perceive the world around them and a central nervous system that coordinates their bodily functions. In contrast, persons are defined by their legal status and moral agency rather than their physical attributes. While human beings may possess personhood, it is not a universal characteristic.

Legal and Moral Status

Persons have legal rights and responsibilities that are recognized by society and enforced by the legal system. These rights include the right to own property, enter into contracts, and seek redress for harm done to them. Persons also have moral responsibilities to respect the rights of others, act with integrity, and contribute to the common good. Human beings, on the other hand, do not necessarily have the same legal and moral status as persons.

Capacity for Rationality

Persons are characterized by their capacity for rational thought and decision-making. They are able to weigh options, consider consequences, and make choices based on reason and evidence. This capacity for rationality is what distinguishes persons from other entities such as animals or machines. Human beings, as biological organisms, may possess the potential for rationality, but it is not a defining characteristic of their existence.

Relationships and Social Interactions

Persons are able to form relationships with others, engage in social interactions, and participate in communities. They have the ability to empathize with others, communicate effectively, and cooperate towards common goals. Human beings, as social animals, have a natural inclination towards forming social bonds and living in groups. However, not all human beings may possess the same capacity for forming meaningful relationships as persons do.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human beings and persons are distinct concepts that have different attributes and implications. While all human beings are persons, not all persons are human beings. Human beings are biological entities with physical bodies and cognitive abilities, while persons are legal and moral entities with rights and responsibilities. Understanding the differences between human beings and persons can help us appreciate the complexity of human existence and the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of all individuals.