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Ten Theories of Human Nature
Over three 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 thoroughly revised fourth edition features substantial new chapters on Aristotle and on evolutionary theories
of human nature; the latter centers on Edward O. Wilson but also outlines the ideas of Emile Durkheim, B. F. Skinner, Nikolaas Tinbergen, Konrad Lorenz, Noam Chomsky, and recent evolutionary psychology. This edition also includes a rewritten introduction that invites readers (even if inclined toward
fundamentalism, or to cultural relativism) to careful, critical thought about human nature; a useful new section that summarizes the history of ideas from the Stoics to the Enlightenment; and a new conclusion that suggests a way to synthesize the various theories.
Lucid and accessible, Ten Theories of Human Nature, 4/e , compresses into a small space the essence of such ancient traditions as Confucianism, Hinduism, and the Old and New Testaments as well as the theories of Plato, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, 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, 4/e , will engage and motivate students and other readers to consider how we can understand and improve both ourselves and human society.
of human nature; the latter centers on Edward O. Wilson but also outlines the ideas of Emile Durkheim, B. F. Skinner, Nikolaas Tinbergen, Konrad Lorenz, Noam Chomsky, and recent evolutionary psychology. This edition also includes a rewritten introduction that invites readers (even if inclined toward
fundamentalism, or to cultural relativism) to careful, critical thought about human nature; a useful new section that summarizes the history of ideas from the Stoics to the Enlightenment; and a new conclusion that suggests a way to synthesize the various theories.
Lucid and accessible, Ten Theories of Human Nature, 4/e , compresses into a small space the essence of such ancient traditions as Confucianism, Hinduism, and the Old and New Testaments as well as the theories of Plato, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, 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, 4/e , will engage and motivate students and other readers to consider how we can understand and improve both ourselves and human society.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 1998
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266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 3, 2017
The ‘Ten Theories Of Human Nature’ is a book which covers ten popular and credited belief systems and theories by famous people that explains some of the reasons why we are the way we are and why, what, and how we as humans should be. The book covers a lot of ideologies and is written for students in classes exploring humanity’s values. The book also explores a lot of humanity's problems and shared freedoms. Near the end the book also covers the scientific side of human nature and the understanding of it. The authors also cover psychological and physiological needs of the human race and theories that can explain how that plays into how and why we are the way we are. The book is a perfect read for exploring the interesting answers that humanity over its history has crafted for the reasons of our essence. When questioning humanity and answers, ideas, thoughts, and implications of humanity this book delivers a well crafted and genuine introduction into philosophy but also grants the reader a way to spark thought over humanity’s attributes and history. However it is also a beautiful rendition of religious studies and intellectual academia as the book splendidly yields a contribution to students who are invested in world sciences. It provides students in scientific fields of study a way to explore humanity through its history and present day science helping understand the collective explanations of humans desires and what we (supported through theories in science) should be.
October 1, 2008
A fairly balanced study, covering concepts of human nature as presented in Christianity, Confucianism, Plato, Kant, Freud, Sartre and some modern psychologists (Skinner). It is clear and well written. Kantian in approach, it asserts that certain Christian positions are not open to empirical proof. [In his "Man and Values", Cormac Burke takes the writers up on this point, arguing that if not open to an empirical approach, such positions are open to rational proof
August 16, 2013
"lucid and accessible", this because briefly covers Confuciansim, Hinduism, The Old and New Testaments, Plato, Kant, Marx, Freud, Sartre and their discussions of the human condition. The book focuses and man's struggle to reconcile what is natural. I read this for a philosophy class in College, but it doesn't necessarily read like a text book, it is really quite interesting. Beware, it will cause you to think existentially and that can lead to some crazy tangents. You should read this book along with someone else, so that you can discuss it during/afterwards so that everything you think and feel doesn't get swept under the rug or held internally to plague your mind.
June 3, 2008
Really comprehensive. Supposed to be a first year book for philosophy students, but I struggled with a couple of the chapters myself, and I'm supposed to know what I'm talking about! (to a certain extent)
January 29, 2015
It was really hard for me to concentrate on a philosophy book before but this simple introduction of 10 theories of human nature was a complete source of understanding the basics.
July 9, 2021
I first read this book in an early college class and enjoyed it, so I decided to order it again on Amazon. Twenty years later, this book isn't as good as I remember it. The information is somewhat more engaging and well-written than other sources of similar information, but it's clear that the primary author is an evolutionist and thinks that while the metaphysical can have practical benefits, religious beliefs are simply based on myths and are invalid until proven otherwise. I don't detect a sneering tone, but there is definitely the impression that everyone educated knows that humanism and reason are the way to approach life.
As far as the actual chapters, I didn't really enjoy his personal opinions interjected within the "diagnosis" and "prescription" sections. I didn't find them especially deep, well-supported, or synthesized. I also didn't feel that Stevenson captured the essence of the belief systems nor did he detect the parallels among them. I was especially disappointed with his treatment of the Bible. As someone who has studied the Bible in moderate depth, I don't believe he even captured what it's really about.
I wanted to hold onto the book because I like the variety of thinkers presented, but I just don't have enough room, and this one isn't good enough to take up space in my bookcase.
As far as the actual chapters, I didn't really enjoy his personal opinions interjected within the "diagnosis" and "prescription" sections. I didn't find them especially deep, well-supported, or synthesized. I also didn't feel that Stevenson captured the essence of the belief systems nor did he detect the parallels among them. I was especially disappointed with his treatment of the Bible. As someone who has studied the Bible in moderate depth, I don't believe he even captured what it's really about.
I wanted to hold onto the book because I like the variety of thinkers presented, but I just don't have enough room, and this one isn't good enough to take up space in my bookcase.
May 14, 2025
Very good introduction to the ten theories explored in the book. Each one has a tight, thorough presentation where their core tenets and pitfalls are noted, and while obviously a lot of information is not present, it doesn't need to be. This is a "jumping-off point" book, where you get a brief, top-down view of a certain philosophy, and can use that to leverage your knowledge when jumping down the rabbit hole of whichever you so choose.
I do wonder if some of the theories could've been replaced with more relevant choices (I kept thinking, "Buddhism? Islam? Nietzsche? Where art thou?"), but that conversation could go on endlessly. There are far more than ten theories of human nature (if we're to boil that idea down to things like modes of thought, religions, and scientific theories) and no book could comprehensively cover them all. And like any other work, a lot of the societal observations made by Stevenson here are of their time, but any scholar will know how to appreciate that in their own way.
Very highly recommended for any burgeoning philosophy student or curious reader, I felt like the information here was well formulated and not too dense. Good list of further reading for each topic, too, and lends easily to annotation.
I do wonder if some of the theories could've been replaced with more relevant choices (I kept thinking, "Buddhism? Islam? Nietzsche? Where art thou?"), but that conversation could go on endlessly. There are far more than ten theories of human nature (if we're to boil that idea down to things like modes of thought, religions, and scientific theories) and no book could comprehensively cover them all. And like any other work, a lot of the societal observations made by Stevenson here are of their time, but any scholar will know how to appreciate that in their own way.
Very highly recommended for any burgeoning philosophy student or curious reader, I felt like the information here was well formulated and not too dense. Good list of further reading for each topic, too, and lends easily to annotation.
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March 23, 2025Is this 10 theories of human nature of 10 philosophical traditions. Certainly, the attempt to steer around to ideas regarding human nature are made but perhaps lost the casm of epistemological, political or theological ideas. The theories of human are not contrasted to each other, not even described in any detail alongside each other at all. What is their implication, where is the big picture? We are left stranded with information and perhaps no better understanding of the nature of the human, and if we are it is due to no effect of the authors barring their effort to impart the information.
July 21, 2019
Confucianism
upanishadic hinduism
Buddhism
Plato: Rule of Reason
Aristotle: Ideal of Human Fulfilment
Bible humanity relate to God
Kant: Reasons and causes, morality and religion
Marx: Economic basis of Human Societies
Sartre: Radical Freedom
Darwin: theories of human nature
Synthesis
Morality. . . is the only worthy pursuit in life. . . . * * * three related things we stand in awe of
the decree of heaven, of great men, and the words of the sages. p. 12
For Confucius,every person is potentially a sage, defined as one who acts with extreme benevolence.. . . that is, all human being have the capacity to cultivate virtue adn bring themselves into harmony with the Decree of Heaven. p. 13
. . . generally speaking, the human condition is one of social discord caused by selfishness and ignorance of the past. * * * rulers govern with attention only to personal gain. . . five causes can be discerned in the Analects 1 people are attached to profit; 2 society lacks the respect of filial piety; 3 the connection between word and action cannot be trusted!!!!!!!!!!; 4 ignorance regarding the Way of the sages prevails; 5 benevolence is absent from human affairs. !!!!!!!
The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understand what is profitable.
. . . selfish . . . Actions are generally performed to increase one's wealth of power. p. 14 !!!!!!!!!
. . . trust rests on the premise that what is said will be done. * * * Ignorance of the past is also a major cause of the troublesome human condition. p. 15
Confucious . . . doing for nothing. . . involves doing what is right simply because it is morally right and not for any other reason. !!!!!!! p. 16 .... this principle motivates one to keep working for righteousness in a world that has little appreciation for it. p. 16 !!!!!!!
Moral integrity . . . is the only thing in life worth pursuing. p. 17
. . . the father of the family, or by extension the emperor of the state must rule by moral example. p. 17
Moreover, without the connection between word and actuality there is no genuine trust. This is the definition of a lie. * * * Therefore, the self-cultivating gentleman is "trustworthy in what he says". p. 18
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. p. 19
. . . one's own self becomes a measure of decent conduct. p. 19
chaper 2 hinduism
A man turns into something good by good action and into something bad by bad action. * * * We act out of desire. p. 35
. . . to be free one needs only to realize that bondage is a mental construct.p. 39
2 Buddhism
. . . human reality is characterized by impermanence, lack of solid self,and unsatisfactoriness. p. 54
Four Noble Truths
1 Life is dukkha suffering
2 The cause of our suffering is craving or grasping
3 When you cease suffering
4 Nirvana, when craving becomes extinct. p. 60-61
Nirvana is said to be a blissful and dynamic state in which all hatred, delusion, and desire has been annihilated by following the eightfold path of Right speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood next are the three paths of mental discipline - right Mindfulness, right Thought and Right understanding. p. 62-63
Last two are Right Mindfulness consisting of two type of meditative practice the first as withdrawing the senses from sensory experience and the last is open awareness - i.e. awareness of reality as it really is. p. 63
Five precepts to follow not to kill, steal, lie, consume intoxicants, nor engage in illicit sex. p. 65
Plato: the systematic use of our reason can show us the best way to live. p. 71
. . . the unexamined life is not worth living. p. 72
In the Republic by Plato he talks about watching shadows on the cave wall in front of us and ignoring the real world behind us in the light. (as in gaining knowledge now from watching the tv, movie or computer screen. p. 75
poor living is one dominated by our appetites. p. 84 * * * it is in our best interests to be just and moral. p. 84
Aristotel: Of lives devoted to pleasure, to political success and honor,or to intellectual inquiry and reflection, the last is best. p. 103
The Bible: there is no firm expectation of life after death expressed in the Hebrew Bible. p. 115
Historical interlude: Thus it is in each person's self-interest to give up some individual freedom for the sake of security, and to acknowledge the authority of whatever power is strong enough to enforce the rule of law>
Hobbes account of human nature is implicitly atheist . . . in which there is no appeal to divine creation, purpose, redemption or judgement. p. 138
The Enlightenment. . . {in sum] the power of human reason to improve the human condition. p. 140
Hume . . . died in philosophic clam, with no expectation of an afterlife. p. 142
Kant: epistemology, the study of what we can an cannot know. p. 146
Kant envisaged continued progress in human culture through education, economic development, and political reform, gradually emancipating people from poverty, war, ignorance, and subjection to traditional authorities. p. 160
Marx: Sometimes the most worrying thought is not so much that the wrong people are in control but that nobody is in control. p. 177
Sartre: Sartre believe bad faith (or self-deception) is the characteristic mode of most human life. p. 190
Darwin: Science does not change our basic values: it just gives us new means of promoting them. p. 207
upanishadic hinduism
Buddhism
Plato: Rule of Reason
Aristotle: Ideal of Human Fulfilment
Bible humanity relate to God
Kant: Reasons and causes, morality and religion
Marx: Economic basis of Human Societies
Sartre: Radical Freedom
Darwin: theories of human nature
Synthesis
Morality. . . is the only worthy pursuit in life. . . . * * * three related things we stand in awe of
the decree of heaven, of great men, and the words of the sages. p. 12
For Confucius,every person is potentially a sage, defined as one who acts with extreme benevolence.. . . that is, all human being have the capacity to cultivate virtue adn bring themselves into harmony with the Decree of Heaven. p. 13
. . . generally speaking, the human condition is one of social discord caused by selfishness and ignorance of the past. * * * rulers govern with attention only to personal gain. . . five causes can be discerned in the Analects 1 people are attached to profit; 2 society lacks the respect of filial piety; 3 the connection between word and action cannot be trusted!!!!!!!!!!; 4 ignorance regarding the Way of the sages prevails; 5 benevolence is absent from human affairs. !!!!!!!
The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understand what is profitable.
. . . selfish . . . Actions are generally performed to increase one's wealth of power. p. 14 !!!!!!!!!
. . . trust rests on the premise that what is said will be done. * * * Ignorance of the past is also a major cause of the troublesome human condition. p. 15
Confucious . . . doing for nothing. . . involves doing what is right simply because it is morally right and not for any other reason. !!!!!!! p. 16 .... this principle motivates one to keep working for righteousness in a world that has little appreciation for it. p. 16 !!!!!!!
Moral integrity . . . is the only thing in life worth pursuing. p. 17
. . . the father of the family, or by extension the emperor of the state must rule by moral example. p. 17
Moreover, without the connection between word and actuality there is no genuine trust. This is the definition of a lie. * * * Therefore, the self-cultivating gentleman is "trustworthy in what he says". p. 18
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. p. 19
. . . one's own self becomes a measure of decent conduct. p. 19
chaper 2 hinduism
A man turns into something good by good action and into something bad by bad action. * * * We act out of desire. p. 35
. . . to be free one needs only to realize that bondage is a mental construct.p. 39
2 Buddhism
. . . human reality is characterized by impermanence, lack of solid self,and unsatisfactoriness. p. 54
Four Noble Truths
1 Life is dukkha suffering
2 The cause of our suffering is craving or grasping
3 When you cease suffering
4 Nirvana, when craving becomes extinct. p. 60-61
Nirvana is said to be a blissful and dynamic state in which all hatred, delusion, and desire has been annihilated by following the eightfold path of Right speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood next are the three paths of mental discipline - right Mindfulness, right Thought and Right understanding. p. 62-63
Last two are Right Mindfulness consisting of two type of meditative practice the first as withdrawing the senses from sensory experience and the last is open awareness - i.e. awareness of reality as it really is. p. 63
Five precepts to follow not to kill, steal, lie, consume intoxicants, nor engage in illicit sex. p. 65
Plato: the systematic use of our reason can show us the best way to live. p. 71
. . . the unexamined life is not worth living. p. 72
In the Republic by Plato he talks about watching shadows on the cave wall in front of us and ignoring the real world behind us in the light. (as in gaining knowledge now from watching the tv, movie or computer screen. p. 75
poor living is one dominated by our appetites. p. 84 * * * it is in our best interests to be just and moral. p. 84
Aristotel: Of lives devoted to pleasure, to political success and honor,or to intellectual inquiry and reflection, the last is best. p. 103
The Bible: there is no firm expectation of life after death expressed in the Hebrew Bible. p. 115
Historical interlude: Thus it is in each person's self-interest to give up some individual freedom for the sake of security, and to acknowledge the authority of whatever power is strong enough to enforce the rule of law>
Hobbes account of human nature is implicitly atheist . . . in which there is no appeal to divine creation, purpose, redemption or judgement. p. 138
The Enlightenment. . . {in sum] the power of human reason to improve the human condition. p. 140
Hume . . . died in philosophic clam, with no expectation of an afterlife. p. 142
Kant: epistemology, the study of what we can an cannot know. p. 146
Kant envisaged continued progress in human culture through education, economic development, and political reform, gradually emancipating people from poverty, war, ignorance, and subjection to traditional authorities. p. 160
Marx: Sometimes the most worrying thought is not so much that the wrong people are in control but that nobody is in control. p. 177
Sartre: Sartre believe bad faith (or self-deception) is the characteristic mode of most human life. p. 190
Darwin: Science does not change our basic values: it just gives us new means of promoting them. p. 207
August 22, 2022
Very good and concise description of 10 influential schools of thought. With about 20 pages per chapter devoted to a different theory or thinker it is a very good introductory or refresher style book.
November 22, 2024
Muy buen libro comparativo. Me ha ayudado a entender las distintas filosofías acerca del ser humano.
Al leerlas, doy gracias a Dios por ser cristiano y darme cuenta que mi vida no se sustenta en una teoría, sino el Hacedor del Universo.
Al leerlas, doy gracias a Dios por ser cristiano y darme cuenta que mi vida no se sustenta en una teoría, sino el Hacedor del Universo.
October 15, 2015
Though this book was more of a "tip of the iceberg" into human nature, what I did get from it was that a lot of the philosophers that it covered, where really just men that asked really good questions. I don't think we'll ever understand life's mystery into human nature, but it is good that we ask these questions and I respect that for those philosophers.
Since the beginning of man kind though or the "ego" I should say, we've tried to understand the answer to life's mystery, but the more we evolve, the harder it seems the answer will be to achieve. What are our goals? How much would we change? And could we change - since our innate instincts are to survive? Maybe we're not meant to know the answer, but understand how we can be better human beings towards one another for the human race to evolve.
Since the beginning of man kind though or the "ego" I should say, we've tried to understand the answer to life's mystery, but the more we evolve, the harder it seems the answer will be to achieve. What are our goals? How much would we change? And could we change - since our innate instincts are to survive? Maybe we're not meant to know the answer, but understand how we can be better human beings towards one another for the human race to evolve.
July 20, 2016
I greatly enjoyed this book. I appreciated that it spanned many different world views, and that it left me wanting to read more about those different ideas/traditions. The inclusion of critiques against each theory made me happy, because I like to see arguments, so...yeah...
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September 26, 2018A good overview of the major philosophical principles including various religions and views of mainstream philosophers.
December 22, 2023
This book got me interested in taking a Philosophy course. Definitely enjoyed it and was an easy enough read.
April 12, 2016
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