Ten Theories of Human Nature - Softcover

Stevenson, Leslie; Haberman, David L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195169743 ISBN 13: 9780195169744

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2004

Synopsis

Over three 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. This thoroughly revised fourth edition features substantial new chapters on Aristotle and on evolutionary theories of human nature; the latter centers on Edward O. Wilson but also outlines the ideas of Emile Durkheim, B. F. Skinner, Nikolaas Tinbergen, Konrad Lorenz, Noam Chomsky, and recent evolutionary psychology. This edition also includes a rewritten introduction that invites readers (even if inclined toward fundamentalism, or to cultural relativism) to careful, critical thought about human nature; a useful new section that summarizes the history of ideas from the Stoics to the Enlightenment; and a new conclusion that suggests a way to synthesize the various theories.
Lucid and accessible, Ten Theories of Human Nature, 4/e, compresses into a small space the essence of such ancient traditions as Confucianism, Hinduism, and the Old and New Testaments as well as the theories of Plato, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Jean-Paul Sartre. The authors juxtapose the ideas of these and other thinkers and traditions in a way that helps readers understand how humanity has struggled to comprehend its nature. To encourage readers 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 for these problems. Ideal for introductory courses in human nature, philosophy, religious studies, and intellectual history, Ten Theories of Human Nature, 4/e, will engage and motivate students and other readers to consider how we can understand and improve both ourselves and human society.

About this title

About the Author

Leslie Stevenson is at University of St. Andrews. David L. Haberman is at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Review

Praise for the previous edition:"A splendid little book. Stevenson has a gift for distilling the essentials of a point of view or system of thought. The chapters on Plato, Christianity, Marx, Freud, and Sartre are gems of expository clarity and critical good sense."--Michael Washburn, Indiana University, South Bend

"A lucid and fascinating introduction to some major theories."--Duncan Richter, Virginia Military Institute

"Easy-to-read and organized uniformly. An excellent foundation text for the course in Clinical Supervision, as understanding human nature is an essential antecedent to the development of supervisory theories."--George A. Jacinto, School of Social Work, University of Central Florida

"This was a good book when it first came out...and is a still better one now....A fine introduction to the big philosophical problems, a well-made map for bewildered students genning up to clear their minds for the next millennium."-Mary Midgley in the Times Higher Educational Supplement

"This was a good book when it first came out...and is a still better one now....A fine introduction to the big philosophical problems, a well-made map for bewildered students genning up to clear their minds for the next millennium."-Mary Midgley in The Times Higher Education Supplement

"Excellent introduction of the basic human events." --Doug Kenmar, Moody Bible Institute

"One of the best texts I've used in Critical Thinking classes (by student evaluation ratings too!) This is more than just a collection; it is well edited, thoughtfully annotated, and the selections work! Five stars: I"ll definitely use it again--and again!"--Donald K. Skiles, Chabot College

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0195169743
• ISBN 13: 9780195169744
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 272