The Waning of Humaneness

Description

The Nobel Prize-winning scientist confronts the modern malaise stemming from the horror of potential nuclear catastrophe and the dominance of the impersonal and argues for the rediscovery of the humane as a cultural force. This book, by well-known ethologist Lorenz, is concerned with the causes of the waning of compassion for others. It offers a refutation of predetermination, discusses detrimental patterns of behavior and the reality of subjective (versus quantifiable) experience, and critiques the dominance of technology over society. Lorenz also suggests ways, including close contact with nature, for achieving compassion. This book continues themes discussed in his other works, especially Behind the Mirror. Part I - Freedom in Evolution 1. The belief in a Purpose-Oriented World 2. The Planlessness of Evolution 3. Creative Evolution Part II - The Reality of the Merely Subjective 4. The Mind-Body Problem 5. The Phenomenology of Perceived Values 6. The Question Concerning Nonteleonomically Programmed Value Sensibilities Part III - The Mind as Adversary of the Soul 7. The Uneasiness Inherent in Culture 8. Malfunctions of Once-Meaningful Behavior Patterns 9. Errant Meanderings of the Human Mind Part IV - The Present Position of Mankind 10. The Technocratic System 11. The Present Position of Young People 12. Justification for Optimism