Twelve Theories of Human Nature

by Stevenson, Leslie; Haberman, David L.; Matthews Wright, Peter

• ISBN13: 9780199859030
• ISBN10: 0199859035
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-05
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Over five previous editions, Ten Theories of Human Nature has been a remarkably popular introduction to some of the most influential developments in Western and Eastern thought. Now titled Twelve Theories of Human Nature, the sixth edition adds chapters on Islam (by Peter Wright) and Freud tothose on Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Plato, Aristotle, the Bible, Kant, Marx, Sartre, and Darwinism. The authors juxtapose the ideas of these and other thinkers and traditions in a way that helps students understand how humanity has struggled to comprehend its nature. To encourage studnents to think critically for themselves and to underscore the similarities and differences between the many theories, the book examines each one on four points - the nature of the universe, the nature of humanity, the diagnosis of the ills of humanity, and the proposed cure forthese problems. Ideal for introductory courses in human nature, philosophy, religious studies, and intellectual history, this unique volume will engage and motivate students and other readers to consider how we can understand and improve both ourselves and human society.

Author Biography

Leslie Stevenson is Honorary Reader in Philosophy, University of St. Andrews, Scotland. David L. Haberman is Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University at Bloomington. Peter Matthews Wright is Assistant Professor of Religion at Colorado College.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Sixth Edition	p. ix
Preface to the Fifth Edition	p. xi
Preface to the Fourth Edition	p. xiii
Introduction: Rival Theories and Critical Assessments	p. 1
Confucianism: The Way of the Sages	p. 18
Upanishadic Hinduism: Quest for Ultimate Knowledge	p. 35
Buddhism: In the Footsteps of the Buddha	p. 55
Plato: The Rule of Reason	p. 79
Aristotle: The Ideal of Human Fulfillment	p. 97
The Bible: Humanity in Relation to God	p. 115
Islam: Submission to God	p. 137
Historical Interlude	p. 154
Kant: Reasons and Causes, Morality and Religion	p. 168
Marx: The Economic Basis of Human Societies	p. 187
Freud: The Unconscious Basis of Mind	p. 205
Sartre: Radical Freedom	p. 227
Darwinian Theories of Human Nature	p. 245
Conclusion: A Synthesis of the Theories?	p. 279
Index	p. 297
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.