Beast and man

Philosophers have traditionally concentrated on the qualities that make human beings different from other species. In Beast and Man Mary Midgley stresses continuities. What makes people tick? Largely, she asserts, the same things as animals. She tells us humans are rather more like other animals than we previously allowed ourselves to believe, and reminds us just how primitive we are in comparison to the sophistication of many animals.
Contents: Part I Conceptual problems of an unusual species: have we a nature?; animals and the problems of evil; instinct, nature and purpose. Part II Art and science in psychology: directions without a director; on taking motives seriously; altruism and egoism. Part III Signposts: up and down; evolution and practical thinking; facts and values. Part IV The marks of man; speech and other excellences; on being animal as well as rational; why we need a culture. Part V The unity of life.