studying the history of ideas and political philosophy. The subjects discussed in this book include the conceptions of human nature at the heart of political argument and theory; the identification of major theories of human nature and the functions they perform in epistemological and explanatory terms; the examination of key individual thinkers and major intellectual traditions, probing the origins and impact of each view of human nature and assessing their theoretical and practical strengths; as well as a practical orientation, focusing on specific areas of politics, to highlight the role played by often competing theories of human nature and so contrast their accuracy and efficacy. The conclusion brings into close contrast the separate theories of human nature as it applies to politics, throwing into sharp relief the major problems found in its varied form and usage, and pinpoints the prerequisites for the sound but fruitful study of politics and human nature.

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