Expert: Ralph Salier - 3/3/2007

Question
Hi, Ralph. I was hoping you could answer a question that's been nagging me for the past couple of years. Is there a great difference in using the phrase 'human being' and just plain saying 'human'?

Is 'human being' used especially by humanists/human exceptionalists? Do some people in some professions use it more than others? When is it appropriate to drop (or add) the 'being'?  

Answer
Hi Sonja,

They are quiet interchangeable.  Human Being is a bit more formal in nature is may  be used more often in those situations when distinguishing  between a "human like robot" and a real person.  You may find it more comfortable to use the more formal version when teaching children or perhaps in other formal situations but this is an individual decision.