On the Uniqueness of Humankind

2005
ISBN: 978-3-642-42144-0
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, Band 25, 124 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 230 g

Reihe: Ethics of Science and Technology Assessment

Biological and philosophical anthropologies of the 20th century keep emphasising the "Sonderstellung" of humans among the realm of living beings. However, it is not clear how this particular role should be characterised, how it should be reconciled with biological findings, and which theoretical and practical conclusions should be drawn from it. Partly in opposition to these anthropological views on humankind biological disciplines underline the extensive similarities and common characteristics between humans and other species. Apparently, these biological findings concur with the criticism of anthropocentrism, which is expressed in Western philosophy of nature and by ethicists. To discuss these issues the Europäische Akademie organized the conference "The Uniqueness of Humankind – Über die Sonderstellung des Menschen". The proceedings of the conference documented in this volume approached the theoretical and practical concept of the "Sonderstellung" against the background of present day knowledge in biosciences. Furthermore, by interdisciplinary efforts, an attempt was made to clarify those conceptual problems that arise with the idea of the uniqueness of humankind. The present volume partly takes up and further develops topics that have been raised by volume 15, On Human Nature, that was published in this series in 2002.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Prieß, K.

Duncker, Hans-Rainer

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technik: Allgemeines
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Naturphilosophie, Philosophie und Evolution
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Kulturphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Ethik, Moralphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Moderne Philosophische Disziplinen Philosophische Anthropologie
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft | Kulturwissenschaften Kulturwissenschaften

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Human as a Biological and Cultural Being.- The “Exceptional Position” of the Human Being — a Moral-political Concept.- The Human: Between Having a World and Being a Self.- Social Structure, Sexuality, and Intelligence in Human Evolution — a Synopsis.- Genes, Instincts and Identity.- The Special Status of the Human Being as a Topic of Practical Philosophy.- The “Uniqueness” of the Human Being in Constitutional Law.