Human Nature: Fact and Fiction: Literature, Science and Human Nature by Robin Headlam Wells


Human Nature: Fact and Fiction: Literature, Science and Human Nature
Title : Human Nature: Fact and Fiction: Literature, Science and Human Nature
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0826485456
ISBN-10 : 9780826485458
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 216
Publication : First published May 10, 2006

  Human Nature: Fact and Fiction brings together a collection of inspiring, thought-provoking and original perspectives on human nature by ten leading writers, scientists and academics.

What do we mean by "human nature"? Is there a genetically determined core of humanity that unites us all as members of a single species? Or is the thing we call human nature a social construct? And how do we explain the mystery of human creativity? Do great writers have an intuitive grasp of what makes human beings tick, or are they merely the mouthpiece of contemporary culture?

It has been claimed that "the greatest enterprise of the mind has always been and always will be the attempted linkage of the sciences and humanities" (Edward O. Wilson). This groundbreaking book marks the beginning of a new dialogue between the two. Rather than focusing on the division between them, it shows that the sciences and humanities have much to learn from each other. Points of disagreement remain. Yet there is in this volume a genuine attempt to bridge the gulf that has traditionally separated the sciences and humanities and to reach a better understanding of what it means to be human.


Human Nature: Fact and Fiction: Literature, Science and Human Nature Reviews


  • Hiep Nguyen

    This book is a very good reference to different perspectives of human nature, although the language is sometimes too scientific to be friendly to a common reader.