The Difference of Man and the Difference It Makes

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by Mortimer Adler,

Introduction by Deal W. Hudson

Fordham University Press

Due/Published October 1993, 395 pages, paper

ISBN 0823215350

Bringing to bear both philosophical insight and informed scientific hypotheses concerning the biological and behavioral characteristics of mankind, Adler explores how man differs from all other things in the universe. Rapid advances in science and technology and their influence on human value systems are lucidly outlined by Adler, as he touches on the effect of industrialization and the clash of cultures and value systems brought about by increased communication between previously isolated groups of people. Among the other problems this study addresses are the scientific achievements in biology and physics which have raised fundamental questions about humanity's essential nature. Thrown into high relief is humanity's struggle to determine its unique status in the natural world and its value in the world it has created. Ultimately, Adler's work develops an approach to the separation between scientific and philosophical questions which stands as a model of philosophical consideration of new scientific discoveries and their consequences for the human person.