The metaphysics of self and world : toward a humanistic metaphysics /

Adams proposes a worldview that integrates the humanities and the sciences, giving each its due without doing violence to either. Rejecting cultural subjectivism and scientific naturalism, Adams maintains that a proper appreciation of the scope and limits of science leaves an enormous arena for cultural debate and interpretation. Empiricists, functionalists, and reductionists of many varieties are criticized. "Atomism in general seems to have limits, even in the physical sciences" (p. 294). Cultures have a life not reducible to isolated individuals. "There is every reason to believe that the literary, poetic approach does garner important truths. . .not available to the abstract, discursive approach" (p.307). Sensible throughout, Adams is too often content with generalities and too often fails to develop sufficiently opposing views. For advanced students with an interest in cultural criticism.-D. Christie, University of New Hampshire