Theories of Human Nature

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Human nature has always been a fascinating topic, especially given the self-centeredness and narcissism that characterizes our species (I wonder: is that part of our nature?). Kupperman does a very good job at presenting his readers with a variety of philosophical perspectives on his subject matter, ranging widely in time and space. Part II, on ancient views, includes discussions of the Upanishads and Buddhism, Confucius, Plato and Aristotle, Mengzi, Xunzi and, of course, Christianity. Part III, on modern views, features the thoughts of a number of well known, though all Western, philosophers: Hobbes, Butler and Hume, Kant, Marx, Sartre and Kierkegaard, Arendt and a scatter of others. Some of the choices are questionable. As the author himself acknowledges, Hannah Arendt didn’t really develop a view of human nature, and modern science is barely mentioned at all, despite the fact that of course it is contributing to reshaping our views of the subject, sometimes contradicting, at other times supporting, some of the ideas Kupperman goes over in the bulk of the book. Also, perhaps one chapter should have been reserved for those who think there is no such thing as human nature at all. Still, a worthwhile introduction to a complex and obviously captivating topic, which the reader can use as a springboard for further explorations.