Abstract

This work is primarily a study in the history of ideas, but the author also incidentally presents some interesting views in normative ethics. Various meanings of perfectibility are distinguished: the author carefully differentiates, for example, between theories that man can reach a final state of perfection and theories that mankind can progress indefinitely. The history begins with Greek conceptions of human perfectibility; Hellenistic theories receive a separate chapter. Both orthodox and heretical--chiefly Pelagian-- Christian views are summarized. The Christian mystical tradition and Protestant theories also receive separate attention. Modern theories that seek human perfection from government, education, or scientific progress are reviewed. Two very interesting chapters treat theories of natural progress from Joachim of Flora to Marx and from Darwin to Teilhard. Theories that reject perfectibility are reviewed briefly. Passmore completes his study with his own critical appraisal, in which he is particularly severe with contemporary ideas that man can be perfected by drugs or by revolution. The scholarship gathered together in this work is vast and the author's work of synthesis is most helpful. Passmore's own disposition is toward a tolerant scepticism in regard to all the theories of perfectibility that he reviews. His position might be summed up with the adage that the best is the enemy of the good, or perfection is the enemy of humanism. Many particular criticisms and many comparisons of views drawn from disparate historical contexts contain valuable insights, which will be useful to readers who disagree with the author's general position. Scholars will find all the references they need to check out the author's interpretations of various positions. Understandably, many will find particular interpretations inadequate, for the work covers a vast range of positions which it would be difficult for any one person to enter into perfectly.--G. G. G.