What is "natural"?

[jeffl]

The question of natural vs. unnatural comes down to a question of the mechanism of conception, i think. It's interesting, then, that you would use castration as an example of human intervention.

Quote by: Kamehameha34 The term "unnatural" has been used to describe anything that is the product of human intervention - such as castration.

Human intervention is motivated by human need, generally speaking, and at first glance appears entirely natural. But if respect for others is a human trait (that would be a trait of a human being (individual in community) as opposed to an instinct of a human animal (individual alone, without language)) then respecting the other's opportunity to procreate. You can extend that to the unborn, defending their right to exist by disallowing birth control.

I prefer to consider the spiritual aspect, between soul and spirit; rather than the physical aspect, between body and soul. In this context, conspiracy is unnatural as a joining of agencies.

Since humans have, indeed, come into existence by the same process as other animals, what makes our usage of technology "unnatural" in comparison to the usage of technology of other animals?

The inappropriate use of cultural knowledge, perhaps. GMOs, genocide, inappropriate market controls, and dozens of other behaviors that offend the sensibilities might rightly be called unnatural.

[pikatore]

Natural is a context sensitive word. There is no true singular meaning for the word. This thread is useless.

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: Kamehameha34 I want to know why "unnatural" carries a negative connotation if it, infact refers to objects or processes that are indeed natural.

It almost seems as if the negative association comes from the christian type of mentality. If it has mans fingerprints on it, it is inherently sinful.

edit to add...
( I answered before reading on. )