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From the late nineteenth century onwards religion gave way to science as the dominant force in society. This led to a questioning of the principle of free will-if the workings of the human mind could be reduced to purely physiological explanations, then what place was there for human agency and self-improvement?
Smith takes an in-depth look at the problem of free will through the prism of different disciplines. Physiology, psychology, philosophy, evolutionary theory, ethics, history and sociology all played a part in the debates that took place. His subtly nuanced navigation through these arguments has much to contribute to our understanding of Victorian and Edwardian science and culture, as well as having relevance to current debates on the role of genes in determining behaviour.
Smith takes an in-depth look at the problem of free will through the prism of different disciplines. Physiology, psychology, philosophy, evolutionary theory, ethics, history and sociology all played a part in the debates that took place. His subtly nuanced navigation through these arguments has much to contribute to our understanding of Victorian and Edwardian science and culture, as well as having relevance to current debates on the role of genes in determining behaviour.
Reviews
Confirms Smith's truly remarkable breadth of knowledge, power of synthesis, and ability to use different historiographical and stylistic registers to convey a message that matters to many of us. Here is a historian who has shown that 'history' itself does, indeed, matter." - -Isis
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 288 |
| Dimensions | 229 x 152 |
| Date Published | 30 Nov 2016 |
| Publisher | University of Pittsburgh Press |
| Series | Science & Culture in the Nineteenth Century |
| Subject/s | Ethics & moral philosophy Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 Philosophy of mind Sociology History of science Self-help & personal development Popular philosophy |
Roger Smith is Emeritus Reader in the History of Science, Lancaster University.
