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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/13382
Title: | An Ecological Conception of Human Nature |
Authors: | Burks, Jordan T. |
Advisor: | Vorobej, Mark Machery, Edouard Singh, Rama |
Department: | Philosophy |
Keywords: | Human nature;evolution;ecology;essentialism;typology;innate;species fixity;psychology;philosophy of biology;moral problem solving;genes;Philosophy of Science;Philosophy of Science |
Publication Date: | Oct-2013 |
Abstract: | <p>Currently, there is significant divergence in scholarly opinion as to whether or not human nature exists. In my PhD thesis, I argue for the existence of human nature. In so doing, I critique rival views on human nature and orthodox entry points into the issue. I also offer a partial explanation as to why such a strong divergence of expert opinion may exist, and argue that accuracy on the issue is important with respect to individual and collective problem solving. The view of human nature I defend is what I call ‘ecological.’ This construct aligns with the fact that biological systems exist at multiple levels of organization and relative to varying ecologies, developmental stages, frames of reference, and viable systems of orientation. Given this, I contend human nature is not something that ‘inheres’ and projects out from the organism; rather, human nature is diffuse and exists at simultaneous levels of biological organization, and at the intersection of genetic and epigenetic factors, past and present, and scientific truth and pragmatism.</p> |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/13382 |
Identifier: | opendissertations/8202 9170 4529394 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Size | Format | |
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fulltext.pdf | 1.75 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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