Washington & Lee University

Fall 2008

What does it mean to be human? Is there a fixed human nature? Or is it the nature of humans to be plastic--changeable at the individual, cultural, and species level? Has evolution endowed us with unalterable propensities to specific behaviors and cultural forms? Or has it endowed us with the ability to create and change ourselves, our environment, our very nature? Evolutionary theory, genetics, neuroscience, cybernetics--all have transformed and continue to transform how we understand what it means to be human. We are on the verge of understanding the evolutionary and neurological bases of human behavior and culture. But such knowledge also gives us the power to change and enhance our bodies and minds. What are we to do with the rapidly increasing knowledge of and resultant technologies involving the human animal?

This seminar will examine such questions as we think about human nature, fixity, plasticity, and the place of science and technology in culture.

To begin, take a minute to acquaint yourself with the three tabs to your left. Click on each one--Schedule, Modules, and Assignments--and review the menus.

Ready to proceed? Click again on Schedule and find 1.0 INTRODUCTION TO WEBSITE. Click there.

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Instructors: An essay reflecting on Prof. Gregory 's experience teaching this class is here.