How do we view man? Is the difference between man and animals a
difference of degree or a difference in kind? Are non-physical
factors in our make-up our true distinguishing marks, producing the
proverbial triumph of mind over matter? Or do we really belong to a
determinist universe, running along the principle of phytogenetic
continuity, and governed like animals, by our instincts? As the
computer age progresses, what will happen to traditional beliefs
once the so-called Turing machine, or the robot, reaches a state
capable of producing propositional speech, i.e., the ability to
carry on a conversation Just like you and me? In the most
intriguing study since Koestler's The Act of Creation, Dr. Adler
brings these science fiction debates and/or philosophic dilemmas
into close intellectual range, referring to all sides of his
"mixed" subject, from Plato and Descartes and Kant to the claims of
theology and the contemporary pursuits of psychologists,
anthropologists, and biologists. Only a mind as wide-ranging as Dr.
Adler's could present so thoroughgoing and tight a survey, or
relate the latest concerns of Lorenz, say, with those of Freud, or
examine in so cogent a manner all the possibilities the future
holds for proponents of the immaterialist or materialist
hypotheses. Dr. Adler obviously favors the former, and his implied
anti-behaviorist bias is the only blot on an otherwise scrupulous
book. (Kirkus Reviews)
In this classic work, Adler explores how man differs from all other
things in the universe, bringing to bear both philosophical insight
and informed scientific hypotheses concerning the biological and
behavioral characteristics of mainkind. Rapid advances in science
and technology and the abstract concepts of that influence on man
and human value systems are lucidly outlined by Adler, as he
touches on the effect of industrialization, and the clash of
cultures and value systems brought about by increased communication
between previously isolated groups of people. Among the other
problems this study addresses are the scientific achievements in
biology and physics which have raised fundamental questions about
humanity's essential nature, especially the discoveries in the
bilogical relatedness of all living things. Thrown into high relief
is humanity's struggle to determine its unique status in the natual
world and its value in the world it has created. Ultimately,
Adler's work develops an approach to the separation between
scientific and philosophical questions which stands as a model of
thought on philosophical considerations of new scientific
discoveries and its consequences for the human person.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
