The Nature and Limits of Human Understanding

This volume is an exploration of human understanding, from the perspectives of psychology, philosophy, biology and theology. The six contributors are among the most internationally eminent in their fields. Though scholarly, the writing is non-technical. No background in psychology, philosophy or theology is presumed. No other interdisciplinary work has undertaken to explore the nature of human understanding. This book is unique, and highly significant for anyone interested in or concerned about the human condition.

The topics covered include: models and illusions of understanding; the mental mechanisms behind metaphors; how the body shapes thought; the ways in which humans deal with causation, mathematics, morality, the soul and God; the context and influence of evolutionary theory; first- and third-person consciousness; and the nature of metaphysical and theological understanding.