Being Human: Core Readings In The Humanities

by President's Council on Bioethics

Being Human is the first humanities reader that focuses on humanity in the literal sense―what it’s like to be human.
The Norton Edition of this widely praised collection brings the best writings in the humanities to a college audience. Each chapter presents a question or topic central to the human experience, among them "The Search for Perfection," "Are We Our Bodies?," "Vulnerability and Suffering," and "Human Dignity." To guide students as they read these influential works, every selection is prefaced by a concise headnote and thoughtful discussion questions.

How shall we promote and protect human flourishing in a world of ever-emerging technologies? At what point should we limit our quest for physical and mental perfection? Drawing on the insights of great thinkers throughout the ages, Being Human: Core Readings in the Humanities can help give readers a solid understanding of what it means to be human, both in the past and into the future. College courses, from Humanities to Bioethics to Freshman Composition, will benefit from this important collection.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

628 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2004

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my PHI2050 Human Nature & Ethics class

[Jessie Sonnen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent selection of readings that makes one ponder both typical life questions and not-so-common life questions. Provides excellent discussion questions and ample material for both sides of each question. Highly suggest as a reading for Humanities enthusiasts!

[Leah Sattler · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Virginia]

So far I really like this book. The way it's organized is very stimulating and its breadth of literary sources is enriching. It pulls from well-known epics and biblical verse as well as from 20th century short stories and poetry. It was the perfect choice for my Ethics class, and I'll probably go back and read the whole thing once the class is over!

[Sskous · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book serves me well for short writings on what it means to be hunam. Kass has gathered together many essays, stories and vignettes that illustrate just who we are. it's excellent! also can be used in philosophy classes, especially bioethics.