THE FUTURE OF HUMAN NATURE - Scarce Fine Copy of The First Hardcover Edition/First Printing

Habermas, Jurgen (Translated by Various Contributors)

ISBN 10: 0745629865 / ISBN 13: 9780745629865

Published by London, England: The Polity Press, 2003, 2003

About this Item

1st Printing. 128 pages. Published in 2003. Collection of essays on subject. One of the most important philosophical texts of our time. The first appearance of the title in English and in the United Kingdom. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only. There is no American Edition. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Jurgen Habermas' "The Future of Human Nature" in a felicitous English translation. His thoughtful and necessary reflections on religion, science, and technology. As such, it is one of the earliest - and most insightful - reflections of its kind on high technology ('hi-tech") and what it means for the whole notion of "humanity" from a secular and non-theistic/spiritual perspective. "Recent developments in bio-technology and genetic research are raising complex ethical questions concerning the legitimate scope and limits of genetic intervention. As we begin to contemplate the possibility of intervening in the human genome to prevent diseases, we cannot help but feel that the human species might soon be able to take its biological evolution in its own hands. His analysis is guided by the view that genetic manipulation is bound up with the identity and self-understanding of the species. We cannot rule out the possibility that knowledge of one's own hereditary factors may prove to be restrictive for the choice of an individual's way of life and may undermine the symmetrical relations between free and equal human beings" (Publisher's blurb). "When a philosopher of the stature of Jurgen Habermas makes an intervention into contemporary genetics it pays to sit up and listen" (Disability And Society). The final essay, "Faith And Knowledge", is the slightly revised (and final) version of the lecture Habermas gave upon winning the Peace Prize of The German Book Trade in 2001. More than any other essay written thus far, it examines the tension between science and religion in the modern world, a "tension which exploded with such tragic violence on September 11" (Jurgen Habermas). An absolute "must-have" title for Jurgen Habermas collectors. This title is a contemporary classic. This is one of few copies of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing (British) still available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. Please note: Copies available online have serious flaws, are subsequent printings, or are remainder-marked. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A scarce copy thus. One of the greatest philosophers of our time. A fine copy. ISBN 0745629865.

Seller Inventory # 17827

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE FUTURE OF HUMAN NATURE - Scarce Fine Copy of The First Hardcover Edition/First Printing
• Publisher: London, England: The Polity Press, 2003
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745629865
• ISBN 13: 9780745629865
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: no

About this title

Synopsis

Recent developments in biotechnology and genetic research are raising complex ethical questions concerning the legitimate scope and limits of genetic intervention. As we begin to contemplate the possibility of intervening in the human genome to prevent diseases, we cannot help but feel that the human species might soon be able to take its biological evolution in its own hands. 'Playing God' is the metaphor commonly used for this self-transformation of the species, which, it seems, might soon be within our grasp.





In this important new book, Jurgen Habermas - the most influential philosopher and social thinker in Germany today - takes up the question of genetic engineering and its ethical implications and subjects it to careful philosophical scrutiny. His analysis is guided by the view that genetic manipulation is bound up with the identity and self-understanding of the species. We cannot rule out the possibility that knowledge of one's own hereditary factors may prove to be restrictive for the choice of an individual's way of life and may undermine the symmetrical relations between free and equal human beings.





In the concluding chapter - which was delivered as a lecture on receiving the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for 2001 - Habermas broadens the discussion to examine the tension between science and religion in the modern world, a tension which exploded, with such tragic violence, on September 11th.

About the Author

Jürgen Habermas is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Frankfurt. He was awarded the Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels 2001.