What is the Human Being?

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Mind & Body
Cover of the book What is the Human Being? by Patrick R. Frierson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Patrick R. Frierson ISBN: 9781135090807
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Patrick R. Frierson
ISBN: 9781135090807
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Philosophers, anthropologists and biologists have long puzzled over the question of human nature. It is also a question that Kant thought about deeply and returned to in many of his writings. In this lucid and wide-ranging introduction to Kant’s philosophy of human nature - which is essential for understanding his thought as a whole - Patrick R. Frierson assesses Kant’s theories and examines his critics.

He begins by explaining how Kant articulates three ways of addressing the question ‘what is the human being?’: the transcendental, the empirical, and the pragmatic. He then considers some of the great theorists of human nature who wrestle with Kant’s views, such as Hegel, Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche, and Freud; contemporary thinkers such as E.O.Wilson and Daniel Dennett, who have sought biological explanations of human nature; Thomas Kuhn, Michel Foucault, and Clifford Geertz, who emphasize the diversity of human beings in different times and places; and existentialist philosophers such as Sartre and Heidegger.

He argues that whilst these approaches challenge and enrich Kant’s views in significant ways, all suffer from serious weaknesses that Kant’s anthropology can address. Taking a core insight of Kant’s - that human beings are fundamentally free but finite - he argues that it is the existentialists, particularly Sartre, who are the most direct heirs of his transcendental anthropology.

The final part of the book is an extremely helpful overview of the work of contemporary philosophers, particularly Christine Korsgaard and Jürgen Habermas. Patrick R. Frierson explains how these philosophers engage with questions of naturalism, historicism, and existentialism while developing Kantian conceptions of the human being.

Including chapter summaries and annotated further reading, What is the Human Being? is an outstanding introduction to some fundamental aspects of Kant’s thought and a judicious assessment of leading theories of human nature. It is essential reading for all students of Kant and the philosophy of human nature, as well as those in related disciplines such as anthropology, politics and sociology.

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

Philosophers, anthropologists and biologists have long puzzled over the question of human nature. It is also a question that Kant thought about deeply and returned to in many of his writings. In this lucid and wide-ranging introduction to Kant’s philosophy of human nature - which is essential for understanding his thought as a whole - Patrick R. Frierson assesses Kant’s theories and examines his critics.

He begins by explaining how Kant articulates three ways of addressing the question ‘what is the human being?’: the transcendental, the empirical, and the pragmatic. He then considers some of the great theorists of human nature who wrestle with Kant’s views, such as Hegel, Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche, and Freud; contemporary thinkers such as E.O.Wilson and Daniel Dennett, who have sought biological explanations of human nature; Thomas Kuhn, Michel Foucault, and Clifford Geertz, who emphasize the diversity of human beings in different times and places; and existentialist philosophers such as Sartre and Heidegger.

He argues that whilst these approaches challenge and enrich Kant’s views in significant ways, all suffer from serious weaknesses that Kant’s anthropology can address. Taking a core insight of Kant’s - that human beings are fundamentally free but finite - he argues that it is the existentialists, particularly Sartre, who are the most direct heirs of his transcendental anthropology.

The final part of the book is an extremely helpful overview of the work of contemporary philosophers, particularly Christine Korsgaard and Jürgen Habermas. Patrick R. Frierson explains how these philosophers engage with questions of naturalism, historicism, and existentialism while developing Kantian conceptions of the human being.

Including chapter summaries and annotated further reading, What is the Human Being? is an outstanding introduction to some fundamental aspects of Kant’s thought and a judicious assessment of leading theories of human nature. It is essential reading for all students of Kant and the philosophy of human nature, as well as those in related disciplines such as anthropology, politics and sociology.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Biodiversity Conservation in Southeast Asia by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Rock: The Primary Text by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Adults With Disabilities by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Spirits in Culture, History and Mind by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book John Rawls by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Affordable Housing in the Urban Global South by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Decolonizing Translation by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Foundations of Freedom by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Strategic Marketing Management (RLE Marketing) by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Practice Notes on Conveyancing by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Equality Struggles by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Enterprise, Management and Innovation in British Business, 1914-80 by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book The Community Planning Event Manual by Patrick R. Frierson
Cover of the book Does It Take A Village? by Patrick R. Frierson
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