Human nature : the categorial framework /

Hacker's book represents the culmination of nearly 40 years of philosophical reflection on the nature of mind and world. The consequent breadth and depth of this volume is noteworthy. Hacker (St. John's College, Oxford) carefully distinguishes his project from those found in both the social and biological sciences; his project does not offer a theory of human nature. Rather, Hacker describes his work in terms of an "investigation into the conceptual scheme in terms of which we describe ourselves and our complex moral and social relationships, give expression to our inner life, explain, justify or excuse the thoughts, feelings and actions of human beings." The conceptual scheme that Hacker invokes involves categories such as substance and causation--some of "the most general structural concepts that inform our thought." In the end, this volume "clears old pathways from overgrowth and uproots misleading signposts" in an effort not only to provide clear insight into the character of human reason, disposition, and action, but also to offer a better understanding of the human mind, self, and person. Helpful index and tree diagrams. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above. H. Storl Augustana College (IL)