Figures in the Carpet

What does it mean to be a human person? Pervasive, deceptively simple, and basic, this question is not often considered head-on by any but philosophers and contemplatives. Yet it is foundational to how we live in the West today. Our ideas of human rights, law, social welfare, race, education, and a vast number of other conversations about public policy and the common good -- even our distinction between life and death -- are based on the answers we have found to this question. In "Figures in the Carpet" Wilfred McClay adeptly assembles group of essayists -- each highly respected in their field -- attempting to answer the question by examining it from all sides. From the foundation of humanity in depravity to the modern self, the questions of gender and race to the role of religion and other structures, these minds offer their own contemplations designed to inspire us to our own thoughtful and purposeful consideration of the meaning of humanness. This historical inquiry searches for the origins, development, present status, and future of this fragile concept. Much is at stake in the answers to this inquiry, not only for our present and future conceptions of human dignity and integrity, but also for our conduct of public life.