Over four previous editions, Ten Theories of Human Nature has been a remarkably popular introduction to some of the most influential developments in Western and Eastern thought. This fifth edition features a new chapter on Buddhism and a completely revised and reorganized chapter on Darwinian theories.
Lucid and accessible, Ten Theories of Human Nature, Fifth Edition, compresses into a small space the essence of such ancient traditions as Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Old and New Testaments as well as the theories of Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, and Jean-Paul Sartre. The authors juxtapose the ideas of these and other thinkers and traditions in a way that helps readers understand how humanity has struggled to comprehend its nature. To encourage readers to think critically for themselves and to underscore the similarities and differences between the many theories, the book examines each one on four points–the nature of the universe, the nature of humanity, the diagnosis of the ills of humanity, and the proposed cure for these problems. Ideal for introductory courses in human nature, philosophy, religious studies, and intellectual history, Ten Theories of Human Nature, Fifth Edition, will engage and motivate students and other readers to consider how we can understand and improve both ourselves and human society.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Insight on What Makes Us Human
Leslie Stevenson and David Haberman have produced a work that serves the undergraduate student of philosophy well since this work is accessible and conversational. Furthermore, the new fifth edition of Ten Theories of Human Nature contains some helpful improvements which include a new chapter on Buddhism, no chapter on Freud and a revised chapter on Darwinian theories of human nature. Stevenson's writing style is usually critical but he maintains a certain degree of scholarly distance from his subject matter. I've used this work in teaching classes on human nature and will continue to employ the fifth edition. I only have two quibbles with Stevenson, for the most part, besides his chapter on Darwin which I will not comment on now.
First, the chapter on the Bible is not written in an objective manner. Compare Haberman's approach to Hinduism or Confucianism with Stevenson's approach to the Bible (Hebrew and Christian): the chapters are as different as night and day. Now I am not saying that there is no legitimate place for critique in a discussion on the biblical religions. But the chapter on the Bible would be improved if Stevenson followed Haberman's lead since the chapters on Confucianism, Hinduism and now Buddhism reflect a sufficient degree of scholarly objectivity. When will the chapter on the Bible be treated similarly?
For example, in his attempt to analyze the Hebrew story of Abraham, Stevenson appears to equivocate in one part of his book (page 116). He asks, "Even if it [the command to kill Isaac] was only given as a 'test of faith,' what sort of God would play such a trick?" While Genesis 22:1 describes what happened in Abraham's case as a "test," it does not say that God (YHWH) tricked Abraham. I believe that Stevenson equivocates when he moves from "test" to "trick." The two words are not synonymous. The implication that God MIGHT have been "tricking" Abraham seems unfair to me, even if Stevenson does follow up this comment with the mention of another possible interpretation of the Abrahamic narrative. Then again, he also levels critical words at Martin Heidegger's writing style like "Heidegger's language is strange and difficult" (page 183). Maybe Stevenson is not partial in toto after all.
Finally, I have found a small technical error in Stevenson's book. On page 130, Stevenson quotes Augustine as saying, "I believe in order to understand" (CREDO UT INTELLIGAM); yet that is not what the ancient bishop said. The expression CREDO UT INTELLIGAM was uttered or written by Anselm of Canterbury (the so-called father of Medieval theology). Augustine actually said or wrote the words "CREDE, UT INTELLIGAS" (Believe, in order to understand). See Augustine's Sermon 43.7, 9 and Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms: Drawn Principally from Protestant Scholastic Theology, pages 85-86.
4 Stars A good one stop read
I have used this book as an ethics instructor for six years. The book is useful in identifying the multiple influences upon our lives for how we make ethical decisions. Our religious perspectives and understanding of behavioral sciences find residence in our lives, whether we are aware or not. It is through these we are formed and make decisions. Stevenson and Haberman present overviews of Taoism, Hinduism, and Judaism, as well as behavorial sciences and philosophy by examining these theories' underlying philosophies and intellectual difficulties. While Judaism and Christianity are not separated by chapter [but combined into one], and Islam is not given a full discussion, the book is useful for understanding the complexity of global interaction and how we can relate to the millions of people who hold religious or philosophical premises unlike our own.
4 Stars Good Introductory-Level Survey of Human Nature
I teach an introductory-level philosophy course at a university, and this is my main text. Whereas most intro-level books are divided by topic (epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, etc.), this one is helpful in that is organized by chapters that specifically deal with each theory of human nature. So when you read about Plato, for example, you will get a wealth of background material as well getting to see the implications of each theory for epistemology, ethics, etc. I think that this is a much more natural way for students to grasp the material.
The first two chapters are by David Habberman (which were added to later editions of the book) and deal with Eastern theories of human nature (Confucianism and Upanishadic Hinduism). I realize that these chapters were placed first to maintain somewhat of a chronological order, but the only downside is that they don't seem to 'grip' the students in the same way the other chapters do considering they have had far less of an effect on Western culture and thought. They are certainly valuable and students need to interact with them, but you may wish to start with 'the Bible' or 'Plato' and revisit the beginning chapters later.
Some readers may also complain about Stevenson's treatment of the Bible. He seems to raise some unusual objections to the judeo-Christian viewpoint, while leaving out some of the more conventional ones (For example, at one point he states: "Paul and other Christian writers are obviously influenced by Old Testament ideas of sacrifice, but not many theologians are now prepared to interpret Christ's 'saving work' as a propitiatory sacrifice…" Is this supposed to be a surprise?). He could have easily brought up popular topics like the problem of evil or free will and predestination instead.
If you plan on using this in the classroom, I would recommend supplementing it with other reading, considering how (understandably)brief
each treatment is. Each chapter does include suggestions for further reading, which is nice.
All in all, this is one of the better introductions to philosophy and the history thought in general.
3 Stars Deep
I had to buy and read this book for a college class. It is ok, but can get very deep and made my mind spin at times. I wouldn't read it for fun.
2 Stars Annoying chatty tone ruins good survey
The author's notes at the beginning explain that the content of the book comes from Stevenson's first year mandatory class at a university in Scotland. Unfortunately, it was not really repackaged for a more general and sophisticated audience. So there's a lot of space wasted with reminders that, for example, Greek society was very different from ours or that we shouldn't dismiss Marx because of Lenin and Stalin. There are also annoying chatty asides, that feel like the kind of lecture tool required to grab the attention of uninterested first years. Despite all this, it's a useful survey with some good introductory information, it's just a bit painful to read.
Additionally, it seems that Stevenson's Christian background completely muddles that chapter and infects the rest of the book.
The two Haberman chapters are actually quite good.
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