Enhancing Our Way to Happiness?: Aristotle Versus Bacon on the Nature of True Happiness [Paperback]

What does it mean to be happy? Today we are attempting to answer this question with our understanding of science in relation to self-fulfillment. In modern times, the concept of self has replaced the pre-modern idea of soul. The notion of the self has had colossal implications concerning what we deem necessary to be happy.

Author Kathy McReynolds argues that the modern self can indeed become self-fulfilled, but not truly happy, with the help of science, especially biotechnology. Happiness, according to Professor McReynolds, requires an understanding of the self as a soul, and also an understanding of the true nature of human activity. She draws upon the classical and modern theories of Aristotle and Francis Bacon to reconsider the idea of the soul. This book offers a unique perspective to the interesting and necessary discussion of the soul.

Kathy McReynoldsis Professor of Philosophy at Biola University. Professor McReynolds holds a doctorate in Religion and Social Ethics from the University of Southern California.McReynolds book&propels us powerfully toward a deep and rich understanding of what it means to be human. Arthur J. Spring PhD, St. John's University,Bridges

Chapter 1 Acknowledgments
Chapter 2Introduction: A Conversation; Aristotle versus Bacon
Chapter 3One: Extreme Makeover and the Baconian Tradition; The Self, Enhancements, and the Pursuit of Happiness; Enhancements, Ethics, and bacon's Influence; Why Worry about Enhancements?
Chapter 4Two: Bacon on Conquering Nature; Introduction; Francis Bacon in his Time; The Mechanical Arts, Magic, and Alchemy; Bacon versus Aristotle; Bacon on the Human Being; What the Ancient Knew Which Bacon Denied
Chapter 5Three: Aristotle on the Soul; The Problem with Defining Human Nature; The Baconian Self; Some Concepts Challenged by the Baconian View; The Aristotelian Soul; Arguments Against Aristotle; Arguments Supporting Aristotle; The Self, The SlSk