Human Nature: Opposing Viewpoints Schmidt, Mark Ray

Debates the influences of genetics and the environment on human nature, how it affects conflicts between men and women, and how it shapes society

A combination of topic choice and a dependably evenhanded approach makes this one of the stronger Opposing Viewpoints volumes. Each essay or fiction excerpt is prefaced by a brief summary of the theme (rather than just the content) of the work; open-ended questions printed before the essay invite reflection on the philosophies being extolled; and often divergent arguments appear back-to-back for easy comparison. Especially impressive is the expansiveness of the editor's philosophical net. Science, psychology, religion, and sociology blend effortlessly to share credible theories worth much discussion and contemplation. Renowned thinkers such as Freud, Pascal, Rousseau, Sartre, Darwin, and even Apostle Paul offer not only divergent assessments of human behavior, gender roles, and socialization but also impressively deep explorations for essays so brief. Sections from this book will provide useful curriculum support in many disciplines. Roger Leslie