Man A Machine (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781169201668)

Man a Machine is a philosophical treatise by the French physician and philosopher Julien Offray de La Mettrie. Originally published in 1748, the book presents a materialist view of human nature and consciousness, arguing that the mind and body are inseparable and that all mental processes can be explained in terms of physical processes. De La Mettrie contends that man is essentially a machine, a complex system of organs and tissues that operate according to the laws of physics and chemistry.The book is divided into four parts, each of which explores different aspects of human nature. In the first part, de La Mettrie argues that the human body is a self-regulating machine that operates according to the principles of mechanics and physiology. He describes the various organs and systems of the body and explains how they work together to maintain health and vitality.In the second part, de La Mettrie turns his attention to the mind, arguing that it is a product of the brain and nervous system. He rejects the notion of a separate soul or spirit, and instead suggests that all mental processes can be explained in terms of physical processes.In the third part, de La Mettrie explores the relationship between the mind and the body, arguing that they are intimately connected and that mental states can have a profound effect on physical health and well-being.Finally, in the fourth part, de La Mettrie considers the implications of his materialist philosophy for ethics and morality. He argues that traditional religious and moral codes are based on outdated notions of human nature and that a more scientific approach to ethics is needed.Overall, Man a Machine is a groundbreaking work of philosophy that challenged traditional views of human nature and consciousness. Its materialist perspective and emphasis on the importance of science and reason continue to influence philosophical and scientific thought today.Of the two alternatives, only one is possible: either everything is illusion, nature as well as revelation, or experience alone can explain faith. But what can be more ridiculous than the position of our author! Can one imagine hearing a Peripatetic say, We ought not to accept the experiments of Torricelli, for if we should accept them, if we should rid ourselves of the horror of the void, what an astonishing philosophy we should have!''This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Author: Julien Offray de la Mettrie
ISBN-10: 1169201660
ISBN-13: 9781169201668
Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
Language: English
Published: 09/10/2010
Pages: 46
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.67lbs
Size: 10.00h x 7.00w x 0.25d