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Are We Machines?: Is Life Mechanical or Is It "Something Else"?
Paperback
ISBN13: 9781025279992
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 68
Weight: 0.24
Height: 0.14 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Are We Machines?: Is Life Mechanical or Is It 'Something Else'? captures a profound intellectual debate between two of the early 20th century's most influential thinkers: the renowned defense attorney Clarence Darrow and the celebrated historian and philosopher Will Durant. This work addresses the fundamental question of human existence, exploring whether life is a purely mechanical process governed by physical laws or if it contains an irreducible, spiritual, or vital element that defies materialist explanation.
Clarence Darrow applies his signature skepticism and deterministic logic to argue for a mechanistic view of humanity, suggesting that biology and chemistry dictate human behavior and thought. Conversely, Will Durant offers a philosophical counterpoint, examining the complexities of consciousness and the human spirit that seem to transcend mere physical components. Their exchange provides a fascinating look at the clash between scientific materialism and philosophical humanism, a dialogue that remains deeply relevant to modern discussions in neuroscience and the philosophy of mind.
This volume serves as an important historical record of the public debates that shaped intellectual discourse in the 1920s. It offers readers a concise yet rigorous exploration of biology, psychology, and ethics, making it an essential text for anyone interested in the history of ideas and the persistent mystery of the human condition.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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