The Ascent of Man

A Philosophy of Human Nature

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Medieval
Cover of the book The Ascent of Man by James F. Harris, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James F. Harris ISBN: 9781351305587
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: James F. Harris
ISBN: 9781351305587
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The Ascent of Man develops a comprehensive theory of human nature. James F. Harris sees human nature as an emergent property that supervenes a cluster of properties. Despite significant overlap between individuals that have human nature and those that are biologically human, the concept of human nature developed in this book is different. Whether biologically human or not, an individual may be said to possess human nature. This theory of human nature is called the"cluster theory."

Harris takes as his point of departurePlato's comment that in learning what a thing is we should look to the ways in which it acts upon or is acted upon by other things. He commits to a methodological naturalism and draws upon current views from the social and biological sciences. The cluster theory he develops represents one of the very few completely novel theories of human nature developed in the post-Darwin era. It will prove most useful in dealing with philosophical questions involving such contemporary issues as cloning, cybernetics, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The fundamental conceptual issue is how plastic and elastic is the nature of human nature. Just how different might we imagine human beings to be and still be human in the sense that they still possess whatever it is that accounts for a unique nature? The theory of human nature developed in this book is a descriptive, dynamic, bottom-up, non-essentialist, naturalist theory. Harris is well versed in classical philosophy and contemporary behavioral science. He writes in a graceful, open-ended way that both educates and illuminates renewed interest in what it means to be human.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Ascent of Man develops a comprehensive theory of human nature. James F. Harris sees human nature as an emergent property that supervenes a cluster of properties. Despite significant overlap between individuals that have human nature and those that are biologically human, the concept of human nature developed in this book is different. Whether biologically human or not, an individual may be said to possess human nature. This theory of human nature is called the"cluster theory."

Harris takes as his point of departurePlato's comment that in learning what a thing is we should look to the ways in which it acts upon or is acted upon by other things. He commits to a methodological naturalism and draws upon current views from the social and biological sciences. The cluster theory he develops represents one of the very few completely novel theories of human nature developed in the post-Darwin era. It will prove most useful in dealing with philosophical questions involving such contemporary issues as cloning, cybernetics, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The fundamental conceptual issue is how plastic and elastic is the nature of human nature. Just how different might we imagine human beings to be and still be human in the sense that they still possess whatever it is that accounts for a unique nature? The theory of human nature developed in this book is a descriptive, dynamic, bottom-up, non-essentialist, naturalist theory. Harris is well versed in classical philosophy and contemporary behavioral science. He writes in a graceful, open-ended way that both educates and illuminates renewed interest in what it means to be human.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The New American Suburb by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Financial Crisis, Labour Markets and Institutions by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Communication in Eastern Europe by James F. Harris
Cover of the book The Culture of Science by James F. Harris
Cover of the book The Euro in the 21st Century by James F. Harris
Cover of the book The Forest Certification Handbook by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Bush Base, Forest Farm by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Lost Youth in the Global City by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Elements of Human Performance by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Evaluation and Turbulent Times by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Music and Religious Identity in Counter-Reformation Augsburg, 1580-1630 by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Implementing a Gender-Based Arts Program for Juvenile Offenders by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Hedonics of Taste by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Speaking & Listening for All by James F. Harris
Cover of the book Diocletian and the Roman Recovery by James F. Harris
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy