Why We Disagree About Human Nature

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Health & Well Being, Psychology
Cover of the book Why We Disagree About Human Nature by , OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780192556790
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: June 28, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780192556790
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: June 28, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Is human nature something that the natural and social sciences aim to describe, or is it a pernicious fiction? What role, if any, does 'human nature' play in directing and informing scientific work? Can we talk about human nature without invoking-either implicitly or explicitly-a contrast with human culture? It might be tempting to think that the respectability of 'human nature' is an issue that divides natural and social scientists along disciplinary boundaries, but the truth is more complex. The contributors to this collection take very different stances with regard to the idea of human nature. They come from the fields of psychology, the philosophy of science, social and biological anthropology, evolutionary theory, and the study of animal cognition. Some of them are 'human nature' enthusiasts, some are sceptics, and some say that human nature is a concept with many faces, each of which plays a role in its own investigative niche. Some want to eliminate the notion altogether, some think it unproblematic, others want to retain it with reforming modifications. Some say that human nature is a target for investigation that the human sciences cannot do without, others argue that the term does far more harm than good. The diverse perspectives articulated in this book help to explain why we disagree about human nature, and what, if anything, might resolve that disagreement.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Is human nature something that the natural and social sciences aim to describe, or is it a pernicious fiction? What role, if any, does 'human nature' play in directing and informing scientific work? Can we talk about human nature without invoking-either implicitly or explicitly-a contrast with human culture? It might be tempting to think that the respectability of 'human nature' is an issue that divides natural and social scientists along disciplinary boundaries, but the truth is more complex. The contributors to this collection take very different stances with regard to the idea of human nature. They come from the fields of psychology, the philosophy of science, social and biological anthropology, evolutionary theory, and the study of animal cognition. Some of them are 'human nature' enthusiasts, some are sceptics, and some say that human nature is a concept with many faces, each of which plays a role in its own investigative niche. Some want to eliminate the notion altogether, some think it unproblematic, others want to retain it with reforming modifications. Some say that human nature is a target for investigation that the human sciences cannot do without, others argue that the term does far more harm than good. The diverse perspectives articulated in this book help to explain why we disagree about human nature, and what, if anything, might resolve that disagreement.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Fairness in International Criminal Trials by
Cover of the book Territory and Ideology in Latin America by
Cover of the book Changing Contours of Criminal Justice by
Cover of the book Strategic Intelligence for the 21st Century by
Cover of the book Madhumalati by
Cover of the book Symmetry: A Very Short Introduction by
Cover of the book Conspicuous Silences by
Cover of the book Representing Organization by
Cover of the book The Tudors: A Very Short Introduction by
Cover of the book Arbitration of International Business Disputes by
Cover of the book Theory-Based Ecology by
Cover of the book Gypsies by
Cover of the book King Solomon's Mines by
Cover of the book The Preventive Turn in Criminal Law by
Cover of the book The History of Physics: A Very Short Introduction by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy