The Oxford Handbook of the Human Essence Oxford Library of Psychology Series

What is the human essence? Although typically viewed as one of the big questions in philosophy, exploring the human essence requires a deep and comprehensive understanding of the human condition and thus social psychological perspectives are pivotal. Advances in social-psychological theorizing and research suggest that humans can be viewed as biological beings as well as cultural creatures, rational reasoners as well as emotional enigmas, moral minds as well as amoral agents. In this volume, talented scholars come together to present a fascinating array of insight into such topics ranging from evolutionary approaches to social constructivist accounts that essentially deny the existence of a human essence altogether. As such, this volume showcases the various shades of human essence that social psychology has discovered. Through these novel chapters, edited by Martijn van Zomeren and John F. Dovidio, The Oxford Handbook of the Human Essence expertly articulates both what social psychology can tell us about the human essence, and the astonishing range of perspectives reflected within this field. Consequently, this volume also raises important questions about the future of social psychology and the role of the notion of the human essence.

Martijn van Zomeren is Professor of Cultural and Political Psychology of Social Relationships at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. He received his PhD cum laude from the University of Amsterdam in 2006, received various dissertation awards, early career awards, and grants, and is an international expert on collective action, activism and social change. The main theme in his work is the importance of theoretical integration in the various fields that he has contributed to, as reflected in his 2016 book, published by Cambridge University Press, entitled From Self to Social Relationships: An Essentially Relational Perspective on Social Motivation. John F. (Jack) Dovidio, who received his PhD from the University of Delaware in 1977, is currently the Carl Iver Hovland Professor of Psychology and Public Health, as well as Dean of Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Yale University. His research interests are in stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; social power and nonverbal communication; and altruism and helping. His scholarship focuses on understanding the dynamics of intergroup relations and ways to reduce intergroup bias and conflict.