The Quest for Human Nature: What Philosophy and Science Have Learned

Human nature is a crucial concept in socio-political issues, but it remains elusive due to its epistemological nature. Marco J. Nathan provides an overview of cutting-edge empirical research on human nature, including evolutionary psychology, critiques of essentialism, innateness, and genetic determinism, and argues that science cannot adequately grasp it without dissolving it in the process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Over the past fifty years, scholars in biology, psychology, anthropology, and cognate fields have made significant contributions to traditional philosophical theories about our identity and origins. At the heart of many of the most pressing socio-political issues of our time lies the assumption of a shared human nature. From race and gender to medical therapy and disability, from biotechnological enhancement to transhumanism, these debates all presuppose a robust notion of human nature. However, the riddle of human nature remains frustratingly elusive. In this article, Marco J. Nathan provides an accessible, detailed, and up-to-date overview of cutting-edge empirical research on human nature, including evolutionary psychology, critiques of essentialism, innateness, and genetic determinism, addressing the question of why these fields have failed to provide a full-blown theory of human nature. Nathan's answer is that our nature is not the kind of notion that is susceptible to explanation. Rather, human nature plays a crucial role as an epistemological indicator, a pivotal concept that sets out the agenda for much social, political, and normative discourse. However, science cannot adequately grasp it without dissolving it in the process.

One of the key challenges in understanding human nature is the diversity of human experiences and perspectives. Human beings are unique individuals with their own unique histories, cultures, and environments. This diversity makes it difficult to develop a universal theory of human nature that applies to everyone. Nathan argues that this diversity is a strength rather than a weakness, as it allows us to develop a more nuanced and complex understanding of human nature.

One of the main approaches to understanding human nature is evolutionary psychology. Evolutionary psychology suggests that our behavior and psychology are shaped by our evolutionary history. This approach has been successful in explaining many aspects of human behavior, such as aggression, cooperation, and sexual behavior. However, it has also been criticized for its reductionist approach, which suggests that all behavior is determined by our genes.

Nathan argues that evolutionary psychology is not a full-blown theory of human nature. While it has been successful in explaining some aspects of human behavior, it has failed to explain many other aspects, such as the development of language, morality, and consciousness. This failure is due to the fact that evolutionary psychology is based on a narrow set of assumptions about the nature of the human mind.

One of the main assumptions of evolutionary psychology is that the human mind is a computational system. This assumption suggests that the mind is a series of algorithms that process information in a deterministic way. However, recent research has shown that the human mind is much more complex than this. The mind is capable of learning, creativity, and self-awareness, and it is shaped by a wide range of factors, including socialization, culture, and experience.

Another assumption of evolutionary psychology is that the human mind is designed for survival. This assumption suggests that the mind is designed to maximize our chances of survival and reproduction. However, recent research has shown that the human mind is not designed for survival in the same way that other animals are. The human mind is capable of making decisions that are not in our best interests, such as engaging in risky behavior or making decisions that harm others.

In addition to evolutionary psychology, Nathan also critiques the idea of essentialism. Essentialism suggests that there are certain fundamental properties of the human mind that are universal and invariant. This idea has been popular in the philosophy of mind and has been used to justify many forms of discrimination and oppression. However, recent research has shown that essentialism is not supported by the evidence.

Nathan argues that essentialism is based on a narrow set of assumptions about the nature of the human mind. These assumptions include the idea that the mind is a single entity, that the mind is a computational system, and that the mind is designed for survival. However, recent research has shown that the mind is much more complex than this. The mind is capable of making decisions that are not in our best interests, and it is shaped by a wide range of factors, including socialization, culture, and experience.

In addition to evolutionary psychology and essentialism, Nathan also critiques the idea of innateness. Innateness suggests that certain properties of the human mind are innate and cannot be learned. This idea has been popular in the philosophy of mind and has been used to justify many forms of discrimination and oppression. However, recent research has shown that innateness is not supported by the evidence.

Nathan argues that innateness is based on a narrow set of assumptions about the nature of the human mind. These assumptions include the idea that the mind is a single entity, that the mind is a computational system, and that the mind is designed for survival. However, recent research has shown that the mind is much more complex than this. The mind is capable of making decisions that are not in our best interests, and it is shaped by a wide range of factors, including socialization, culture, and experience.

In conclusion, Marco J. Nathan provides an accessible, detailed, and up-to-date overview of cutting-edge empirical research on human nature, including evolutionary psychology, critiques of essentialism, innateness, and genetic determinism, addressing the question of why these fields have failed to provide a full-blown theory of human nature. Nathan's answer is that our nature is not the kind of notion that is susceptible to explanation. Human nature rather plays a crucial role as an epistemological indicator, a pivotal concept that sets out the agenda for much social, political, and normative discourse. However, science cannot adequately grasp it without dissolving it in the process. By recognizing the diversity of human experiences and perspectives, we can develop a more nuanced and complex understanding of human nature that is more relevant to our lives.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 142 x 201 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197699256