This collection investigates the fundamental question of what constitutes human nature by examining diverse philosophical perspectives across history. Donald Abel, an experienced educator in the field of philosophy, curates this anthology to provide a structured overview of how various thinkers have defined the human condition. By pairing classical Western philosophy with non-Western and feminist critiques, the text establishes a comparative framework for students to evaluate competing theories of identity, morality, and social existence.

Educators frequently utilize this text as a foundational reader for undergraduate philosophy courses due to its balanced inclusion of diverse perspectives. Readers note that the editorial apparatus is particularly helpful for students who are new to the density of classical philosophical prose.