Author Description

This interdisciplinary book aims to introudce the reader to what Plato, Christianity, Marx, Freud, Sartre, B.F. Skinner, and Konrad Lorenz have to say about the nature of man. The unifying theme is the four-part sturcture which can be discerned in all these views of human nature; a background theory of the universe, a basic theory of the nature of man, a diagnosis of the human condition, and a prescription for the ills diagnosed. No previous knowledge is assumed. Each theory is expounded clearly and briefly, the main critical quesgtions are raised, and further reading is suggested. No previous book has covered just this selection of topics, in which philosophy, psychology, sociology, politics, biology and theology are drawn on to contribute to a theme which is of very general interest, since it concerns ourselves and our problems. The book should be suitable for introductory courses in universities, polytechnics, collegs of education, and adult education; and of course for the intelligent layman. In an age of increasing specialization, it draws many disciplines together on a theme of central importance.