THE FUTURE OF HUMAN NATURE

London, England: The Polity Press, 2003. First Edition. First Printing.. Hardcover. Fine/Fine Dust Jacket.. London, England: The Polity Press, 2003. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. First Edition/First Printing. 128 pages. Collection of essays on subject. One of the most important philosophical texts of our time. The first appearance of the title in English and in the United Kingdom. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only. There is no American Edition. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Jurgen Habermas' "The Future of Human Nature" in a felicitous English translation. His thoughtful and necessary reflections on religion, science, and technology. "Recent developments in bio-technology and genetic research are raising complex ethical questions concerning the legitimate scope and limits of genetic intervention. As we begin to contemplate the possibility of intervening in the human genome to prevent diseases, we cannot help but feel that the human species might soon be able to take its biological evolution in its own hands. His analysis is guided by the view that genetic manipulation is bound up with the identity and self-understanding of the species. We cannot rule out the possibility that knowledge of one's own hereditary factors may prove to be restrictive for the choice of an individual's way of life and may undermine the symmetrical relations between free and equal human beings" (Publisher's blurb). "When a philosopher of the stature of Jurgen Habermas makes an intervention into contemporary genetics it pays to sit up and listen" (Disability And Society). The final essay, "Faith And Knowledge", is the slightly revised (and final) version of the lecture Habermas gave upon winning the Peace Prize of The German Book Trade in 2001. More than any other essay written thus far, it examines the tension between science and religion in the modern world, a "tension which exploded with such tragic violence on September 11". An absolute "must-have" title for Jurgen Habermas collectors. This title is a contemporary classic. This is one of few copies of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing (British) still available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. Please note: Copies available online have serious flaws, are subsequent printings, or are remainder-marked. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A scarce copy thus. One of the greatest European philosophers of our time. A fine copy. . ISBN 0745629865.