Table of Contents

Part One: Conceptual Problems of an unusual species 1. Have We a Nature? 2. Animals and the problems of Evil 3. Instinct, Nature, and Purpose Part Two: Art and Science in Psychology 4. Directions without a Director 5. On Taking Motives Seriously 6. Altruism and Egoism Part Three: Signposts 7. Up and Down 8. Evolution and Practical Thinking 9. Facts and Values Part Four: The Marks of Man 10. Speech and Other Excellences 11. On Being Animal as well as Rational 12. Why we need a Culture Part Five 13. The Unity of Life Bibliography Index

About the Author

Mary Midgley (1919-2018). A philosopher with a special interest in ethics, human nature, and science, Mary Midgley has a widespread international following for her work.

Reviews

'This is a very important book ... Midgley has provided an urgently needed bridge between science and philosophy.' - Iris Murdoch

'A brilliant and persuasive attempt to set us in our animal context, to show us to ourselves as at home in the world, and to indicate a morality for society without religious absolutes - a morality of which we see the rudiments in our brother species.' - The Observer

'A wonderful breath of fresh air and a book for non-philosophers as much as for philosophers.' - Mary Warnock