Abstract

Human excellence is a concept that is descriptive of certain activities of human beings. In its original usage, 'human excellence' was limited to a specific type of action performed in a specific location under a specific set of conditions. Over time, the original meaning was broadened to include activities that had been previously excluded. The question raised here concerns whether or not the original distinction and the conditions necessary are applicable to the contemporary world. ;In The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt argues that the each human activity is located in either the private realm or the public realm. For Arendt, only a specific type of human activity, namely action, which is located in the public realm, can lead to human excellence. An analysis of Arendt's position yields seven conditions that must be met in order for the public realm to exist. Consequently, these conditions are necessary for actions of human excellence to be possible. ;Arendt's account may unnecessarily limit the type of activities that can be described as excellent and the number of people who can achieve human excellence. There is also the potential for the reification of human beings through forgiveness based on respect. Concepts such as availability. presence and fraternity explored by Gabriel Marcel provide a means to understand certain aspects of human interaction that may be useful in addressing the weaknesses and potential weaknesses of Arendt's account. ;By combining the insights of Marcel with the positive elements of Arendt's thought, a more inclusive location for human excellence is proposed. This location is termed, dramatic space. Dramatic space lessens the likelihood of human reification while expanding the pool of potential participants for actions of human excellence