By: Dr. Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
Synopsis: The enduring assumption that human behavior is
governed by innate morality and reason is at odds with the persistence
of human deprivation, injustice, brutality, inequality and conflict.
This book offers a fresh look at human nature and universal security by
proposing a new general theory of human nature, "emotional amoral
egoism", and a specific theory of human motivation that draws on a wide
range of philosophical, psychological and evolutionary approaches to
human nature as well as neuroscientific research. It argues that human behavior is governed primarily by emotional self-interest and that the
human mind is a predisposed tabula rasa. The author argues that most
human beings are innately neither moral nor immoral but rather amoral.
Circumstances will determine the survival value of humankind's moral
compass. This insight has profound implications for the re-ordering of
governance mechanisms at all levels with a strong emphasis on the role
of society and the global system. This book is essential reading for
anyone interested in the substrates of human nature and its universal
security implications in relation to identity, conflict, ethnocentrism,
xenophobia, morality and global governance. 
Dr. Nayef R.F.
Al-Rodhan is Senior Scholar in Geostrategy and Director of the Programme
on the Geopolitical Implications of Globalisation and Transnational
Security at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Geneva, Switzerland.
First, if you are saying what in the world is she taking about? Do not fear! Well, unless you have flashbacks to Ethics and Theory while at college ... This book is extremely well written and poses many questions for the reader. The main question I picked up on was the entire concept of humans being born with a Tabula Rasa - A Blank Slate! When you compare people, whether they grew up in the same area in the world or not, certain decisions they make are key to what they will grow into as an adult. As the author states, we are prone to certain things from our genetics and the environment we currently live in. Basically we are more emotionally driven than anything rational. Dr. Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan explains humans are self-fulfilling, looking out for number 1, when making any type of decision. Depending on where one grew up, the environment has a key element in this area.
This sounds interesting, I had a discussion with someone once about whether it is possible to make a completely selfless decision. Oh, And I read that you were South of Pittsburgh! I'm north of Pittsburgh (Meadville/Conneaut Lake area) so Go Steelers!
ReplyDeleteThis is a subject about which I know virtually nothing. I am sure it wouldd be intriguing, but it is probably still not my cup of tea. Excellent review, however!
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