Human philosophy


 * "Of all the species we've made contact with yours is the only one we can't define. You have the arrogance of Andorians, the stubborn pride of Tellarites. One moment you're as driven by your emotions as Klingons, and the next you confound us by suddenly embracing logic."


 * "I'm sure those qualities are found in every species."


 * "But not in such confusing abundance."
 * - Ambassador Soval and Vice Admiral Maxwell Forrest

Human philosophy has changed much over its history. It was dramatically altered after Zefram Cochrane's test of his warp drive, which initiated Earth's First Contact with an alien species. Within fifty years, poverty, hunger, and war among the nations of Earth had been abolished. Racism and other prejudices soon followed. The discovery of extraterrestrial life and new philosophies such as the Vulcan concept of IDIC, placed Humanity's self-image in a new perspective. 

The philosophy of many Humans revolves around self-enlightenment and the bettering of society as a whole. A Human's moral goal is the achievement of knowledge through peaceful exploration, as recognized in Starfleet's Prime Directive of non-interference with other cultures. Humans have found a sense of balance in their lives and attitudes. Compassion, courage, and intellect that have been developed into an ideal combination, with ambitions of further self-improvement. 

Another aspect of Human philosophy is the abolition of money. Greed and selfishness had faded on a mass scale as technological progress opened Humanity's possibilities. Earth's economy changed, spurring the creation of the New World Economy. Deviations from these ideals are rare and considered abnormal behavior for Humans. 

Many alien cultures have found Humanity confusing, due (in part) to the fact that Humans are mostly very hesitant to engage in conflict, but will fight with lethal force as a last resort. This inherent conflicting nature made Earth an ideal choice in mediating disputes and finding common ground in interstellar affairs, where the more experienced Vulcans had failed. It is of note that philosophy courses are not required at Starfleet Academy, but encouraged nonetheless. 

Other references

 * Beyond the Galactic Edge, Humanity's Quest for Infinity


 * A Cave Beyond Logic: Vulcan Perspectives on Platonic Thought