SAMOREALIZACJA CZŁOWIEKA WEDŁUG JERZEGO CHMURZYŃSKIEGO
HUMAN SELF-REALISATION ACCORDING TO JERZY CHMURZYŃSKI

Summary/Abstract: The article presents the views of Jerzy Chmurzyński, the father of Polish ethology, on the mechanisms of human behavior in the context of ecological threats. In the process of evolution, man created a new reality - culture, which elevated him above the animal level. There are biological and cultural mechanisms present in human behavior, which are in different relations with each other in the phylogenetic perspective and in ontogenesis. In addition to cultural values, humans strive, like animals, for biological values. However, the human mechanism of behaviour is not just based on instincts, freedom of choice along with conscious ethics takes its place. Chmurzyński shows the precepts of biological ethics largely coinciding with the Decalogue, which protect biological values: individual homeostasis, maximisation of fitness and well-being. Most important is the call for selfrealisation — “be yourself in your human nature”. The degradation of human nature is a significant cause of contemporary ecological threats, and Chmurzyński calls for good educational programmes to help the process of self-realisation, which will contribute to better protection of the environment.

• Details
• Contents