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What is Man?

 Author: Twain, Mark  Category: American essays — 19th century, Determinism (Philosophy) — Essays, Free will and determinism — Essays, Human beings — Essence — Essays, Mark — Philosophy  Publisher: URI  Published: 1906  Pages: 59  Language: English More Details  Download
 Description:

  • First Published: 1906 (privately printed; later more widely published in 1917 after Twain’s death)

    • A philosophical essay in the form of a dialogue between an “Old Man” (representing Twain’s deterministic worldview) and a “Young Man” (the questioning student).

    • Argues that humans are machines, wholly motivated by self-interest and external influences, rejecting free will in the traditional sense.

    • Reflects Twain’s skepticism about religion, morality, and human nature.

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