Humans and Other Animals - Softcover

Dupre, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199247102 ISBN 13: 9780199247103

Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 2006

Synopsis

John Dupr� explores the ways in which we categorize animals, including humans, and comes to refreshingly radical conclusions. It is a mistake to think that each organism has an essence that determines its necessary place in a unique hierarchy. We should reject the misguided concepts of a universal human nature and normality in human behavior. He shows that we must take a pluralistic view of biology and the human sciences.

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Review:

REVIEWS FROM PREVIOUS EDITION

[Dupre's] approach also enables us to say, ina full-blooded way, that sociopolitical concerns affect the content of science and vice versa. Dupre's approach thus seems a promising one towards a rapprochement between factions in the science wars. (Tim Lewens, Mind)

This is a fine collection of essays: informed, challenging, and provocative. I have certainly been provoked, but there is much to admire in the collection. (Kim Sterelny, Studies in the History and Philosophy of Science)

Synopsis:

John Dupre explores the ways in which we categorize animals, including humans, and comes to surprisingly radical conclusions. He opposes the idea that there is only one legitimate way of classifying things in the natural world, the 'scientific' way. The lesson we should learn from Darwin is to reject the idea that each organism has an essence that determines its necessary place in the unique hierarchy of things. Nature is not like that: it is not organized in a single system. There is no universal principle by which organisms can be sorted into species; still less is there any unique way of classifying kinds of humans. We are obliged to accept that different classificatory schemes are valid for different purposes, and therefore to take a pluralistic view of biology and the human sciences. These provocative and readable essays move on to discuss a set of contentious topics relating to human nature. To start with, Dupre argues that the concept of a universal human nature should be rejected. He questions the relevance of evolution to explanation of human behaviour, and casts doubt on the concept of normality in human behaviour.

He shows that misunderstanding of biology and evolution has led to widespread misconceptions about human sex and gender - in particular, about sexual behaviour and gender roles. The book concludes with a pair of essays about the differences between humans and animals - which may not be quite so clear-cut as we think.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0199247102
• ISBN 13: 9780199247103
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288