Depending on the intended meaning, you could use:
* Honest man: This emphasizes moral integrity and truthfulness.
* Just man: This focuses on fairness and righteousness.
* Virtuous man: This highlights moral excellence and good character.
* Principled man: This emphasizes strong moral convictions and adherence to a set of principles.
* Moral man: This broadly denotes adherence to ethical standards and principles.
* Good man: This is a general term for someone with positive qualities and character.
* Honorable man: This refers to a man who is worthy of respect and admiration.
* Ethical man: This highlights a commitment to ethical behavior and decision-making.
If the phrase is used in a more scientific context, referring to the species, you could use:
* Homo erectus: This is the scientific name for the extinct species of human ancestor known as "upright man."
* Early humans: This is a broader term encompassing various early hominin species.
Ultimately, the best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.