Ideas of Human Nature: An Historical Introduction

Ideas of Human Nature presents twelve of the most influential western thinkers on the topic of human nature. This updated second edition includes new chapters on Locke and Kant and a new conclusion on postmodernism. The thinkers are all examined in their historical context and their relevance to contemporary controversies is discussed.

The issues covered include perennial philosophical problems such as the connection between mind and body; life after death; the role of reason; free will and determinism; the relationship between the individual and society; and the problem of relativism.

This is a key text for anyone interested in the theories that have affected the course of human history and continue to interest and challenge us today.

Preface to the Second Edition.

Introduction.

1. Plato c. 429–347 BC.

2. Aristotle 384–322 BC.

3. Aquinas 1225–1274.

4. Hobbes 1588–1679.

5. Locke 1632–1704.

6. Hume 1711–1776.

7. Kant 1724– 804.

8. Darwin 1809–1882.

9. Marx 1818–1883.

10. Nietzsche 1844–1900.

11. Freud 1856–1939.

12. Wittgenstein 1889–1951.

Conclusion to the Second Edition.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Index.

Roger Trigg is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick. His publications include Rationality and Religion (Blackwell, 1998), Rationality and Science (Blackwell, 1993) and Understanding Social Science (Blackwell, 1985). He was the first President (1993–6) of the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion, and in 1996–7 was Stanton Lecturer in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge. He is currently President of the Mind Association.

"Professor Trigg′s book is clear, accurate and absorbing, well worth recommending to anyone seriously interested in finding out what sort of thing we might be thought to be." Stephen Clark, University of Liverpool<!––end––>

Trigg s new edition offers the best introduction available to prominent approaches to human nature. It is lucid, accessible and comprehensive. The book will be highly engaging and instructive for undergraduate students from various disciplines. Paul Moser; Loyola University Chicago

The great attractions of Roger Trigg s book are its interdisciplinary character and its broad historical sweep, giving students a clear sense of both continuity and change in thought about fundamental issues concerning human nature. I don t know of any other book which rivals it in these respects. E. J. Lowe, University of Durham