Twelve Theories of Human Nature - Softcover

"Twelve Theories of Human Nature is the exact model of what an introductory textbook should be: a student coming to the subject for the first time will be able to understand the contentions of different (and difficult) theories of human nature; at the same time, nothing here is dumbed down. The book is consistently clear, precise, deep, engaging, and accurate."--Brian R. Clack, University of San Diego "Excellent. I have been using this book since the first edition. The inclusion of the treatment of evolutionary theories of human nature is particularly valuable."--Val Dusek, University of New Hampshire "I have asked my students often whether they think the text is one they would like me to assign again next semester and they agree again and again. There really is no other better book."--Patricia Turrisi, University of North Carolina-Wilmington "I cannot think of another philosophy text written for the undergraduate on this topic that is as clear, unpretentious, and informative as this book."--Zachary Ernst, University of Missouri-Columbia "Twelve Theories of Human Nature is the exact model of what an introductory textbook should be: a student coming to the subject for the first time will be able to understand the contentions of different (and difficult) theories of human nature; at the same time, nothing here is dumbed down. The book is consistently clear, precise, deep, engaging, and accurate."--Brian R. Clack, University of San Diego "Excellent. I have been using this book since the first edition. The inclusion of the treatment of evolutionary theories of human nature is particularly valuable."--Val Dusek, University of New Hampshire "I have asked my students often whether they think the text is one they would like me to assign again next semester and they agree again and again. There really is no other better book."--Patricia Turrisi, University of North Carolina-Wilmington "I cannot think of another philosophy text written for the undergraduate on this topic that is as clear, unpretentious, and informative as this book."--Zachary Ernst, University of Missouri-Columbia

Over five 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. Now titled Twelve Theories of Human Nature, the sixth edition adds chapters on Islam (by Peter Wright) and Freud to those on Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Plato, Aristotle, the Bible, Kant, Marx, Sartre, and Darwinism. The authors juxtapose the ideas of these and other thinkers and traditions in a way that helps students understand how humanity has struggled to comprehend its nature.

To encourage students 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, this unique volume will engage and motivate students and other readers to consider how we can understand and improve both ourselves and human society.