Seven Theories of Human Nature

By Leslie Forster Stevenson

Book Overview

With over a quarter of a million copies sold, Seven Theories of Human Nature has established itself as the classic introduction to Western intellectual theory. Ranging from Plato's Republic to Edward O. Wilson's On Human Nature, and drawing on philosophy, psychology, sociology, politics, biology, and theology, this admirably lucid volume compresses into a small space the essence of such thinkers as Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, Jean-Paul Sartre, B.F. Skinner, and Konrad Lorenz.
Stevenson juxtaposes the ideas of these and other thinkers in a way that helps us to understand how humanity has struggled to comprehend its nature. We see how Freud's theory of subconscious motivation is directly attacked by Sartre's claim that there are no subconscious acts at all. And how Skinner's theories, which assert the primacy of learned behavior, are undercut by Lorenz's studies of animals, which suggest that complex behavior can occur prior to learning. To bring these comparisons into sharper relief, Stevenson examines each theorist on four points--his speculation on the nature of the universe, his assessment of the nature of man, how he views the ills of the world, and what he would do to change it. This structure enables Stevenson to compare Plato's theory of the philosopher-king with Skinner's idea of utopia in Walden Two and pose the same questions to both: Who decides what is best for everyone else? And how can the misuse of power be prevented? Along the way, we are treated to fascinating analyses of some of the most pivotal and controversial books ever written, including Marx's Das Capital, Sartre's Being and Nothingness, Plato's Republic, and Konrad Lorenz's On Agression.
The revised edition of Seven Theories of Human Nature is more relevant than ever. For the new volume, Stevenson has added an extended discussion of sociobiology, and cites recent books for further reading on such topics as Creationism, nuclear holocaust, and feminism. Brought completely up to date, this classic introduction will fascinate anyone curious about who we are, what motivates us, and how we can understand and improve the world.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195052919
• ISBN13: 9780195052916
• Release Date: November 1987
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 0.7" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Seven Theories to Study and Inquire

The seven theories covered in Stevenson's book include: Plato, Christianity, Marx, Freud, Sartre, Skinner, and Lorenz. Other theories such as Aristole, Kant, and Hume are mentioned but not covered in any amount of detail. Yet, this book is helpful for providing resources for further reading as well as beneficial for explaining some basic concepts. Stevenson further offers strong arguments in his introduction to why the study of human nature is important knowledge. There are different views of history, conflicting views about the universe, different descriptions of human nature, and different views on what is wrong with society and how to remedy problems within it. As a result, humans conclude with different answers to problems. Furthermore, philosophical views are embodied in human societies and institutions. Some theories become ideologies when a group adopts a theory as a way of life. Also, philosophical theories often offer hope of solutions to human problems. Therefore, Stevenson's book is very insightful to understanding how philosophers attempt to provide an answer to the question on the meaning of life and the types of models which society uses for its values and belief system.

Seven Theories of Human Nature

This book is on selected theories about human nature which describe the rival perspectives about the nature of man, the purpose of human life and what man ought to do or how he can do it. The author describes the conflicting and contrasting beliefs about the nature and purpose of human life and how these are embodied in different ways of life, in political and economic systems, and in educational theory and practice. The theories duscussed in the book are those of Plato (The Rule of the Wise), Christianity (God's Salvation), Karl Marx (The Communist Revolution), Sigmund Freud (Psycho-analysis), Sartre (Atheism and Existentialism), B F Skinner (The Conditioning of Behaviour) and Konrad Lorenz (Innate Aggression). The author did a good job of explaining and stating the seven different theories about human nature. The author methodically gives a background of each theory's view of the universe, then goes on to explain the basic theory of the nature of man, followed by a diagnosis of the human condition and finally a prescripion for the ills diagnosed. The book is clearly written in plain English which enables any intelligent layman to understand and follow the discussion and arguments.

great book, but too short

This book is a great introduction to the philosophy of the human person, and also provides a starter course in the process of philosophical criticism. It covers Christianity, Plato, Konrad Lorenz, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, B. F. Skinner, and Jean-Paul Sartre. It is lucidly written. One could probably criticize it for making too many generalities, but its only real fault is its brevity; one would wish it to cover many more thinkers in the same fashion.