What is the Difference Between Person and Human?

The terms "person" and "human" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. The difference between the two lies in their definitions and the context in which they are used:

• Person: A person is a human being regarded as an individual. It is a gender-neutral term used to refer to someone who is alive and capable of making decisions. The concept of personhood is often associated with legal and moral rights, as well as responsibilities.
• Human: Human refers to the species Homo sapiens or related species. It is a biological designation and is used to describe characteristics that are common to people, as opposed to God, animals, or machines, especially in being susceptible to weaknesses. The term "human" is often used in a historical context or to refer to the entire species.

In summary, a person is an individual human being, while "human" refers to the species as a whole or the characteristics that are common to people. The distinction between these two terms becomes important in legal and philosophical contexts, where the concepts of personhood, rights, and responsibilities are discussed.

Comparative Table: Person vs Human

Here is a table highlighting the differences between a person and a human:

In summary, "person" is more focused on the individuality and uniqueness of a human being, while "human" emphasizes the traits and characteristics that make someone a member of the Homo sapiens species.