Human Nature, Hope & How to Live Now

A series of lectures given by the Cathedral Chancellor, Canon Dr Anthony Cane

These lectures took place at 6.30pm on Tuesdays 20th and 27th April, 4th and 11th May

What does it mean to be human?  What do we make of the extraordinary human capacity for both creativity and destruction?  Is there a distinctive Christian perspective on human nature, and how does that relate to current scientific perspectives?  This is a fascinating and sometimes controversial area with implications for a whole range of debates and issues, from genetic engineering, sexuality, politics and violence, to dieting, decision making and even women bishops!  This year's Chancellor's lectures explored theological, biblical, scientific, literary and philosophical perspectives on human nature.  They drew out the implications for life today, arguing for a hopeful realism about the human condition.

Socrates enjoined us to 'Know thyself'.  Psalm 8 asks, 'What are human beings that you are mindful of them?'  Jesus said that, 'It is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come...' and, 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'  Augustine prayed, 'Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.'  Alexander Pope wrote that, 'The proper study of Mankind is Man.'  Steven Pinker, a Professor of Psychology at Harvard, speaks of 'the voice of the species...that infuriating, endearing, mysterious, predictable, and eternally fascinating thing we call human nature.'

Lecture 1

Lecture 2

Lecture 3

Lecture 4