Author Description

Philosophy and the Human Condition: An Anthology brings together a rich collection of historically arranged readings on the crucial philosophical problems related to the human condition and human nature. Its contents are drawn from a wide range of sources, including the traditional works of Western philosophers from Plato to the present day; relevant extracts from religious texts; and contributions by women, traditions outside of the western philosophical canon, and other disciplines. Each reading selection is accompanied by an introduction. An extended introduction to philosophy at the beginning of the text addresses each of six principal issues that will be prominent in the reading selections drawn from the history of philosophy--the relation of mind and body; personal immortality; freedom of the will; the question of whether humans are naturally benevolent or naturally brutal; the nature and possibility of human happiness; and philosophical issues relating to race and gender--making the text an ideal all-in-one resource for introductory courses in philosophy.