What Makes Us Human?
Charles Pasternak (ed.), Oneworld

Have you ever wondered what it is that distinguishes human animals from other animals? After all, the differences between humans and the great apes are quite small: humans and chimpanzees have 99.4 per cent of our genes in common.

This book sets out to answer this perennial puzzle. Thinkers from a wide range of disciplines such as writing, genetics, psychology, ecology and theology have put forward their ideas about what does indeed make us human.

Is it our capacity to show remorse; the capacity to live in an imagined world; language; our beliefs; our curiosity; our ability to cook; the power of speech or the capacity for rational reflection in the light of values and principles?

Of particular interest is a chapter by the Right Rev. Richard Harries, in which he explores not only the question of our humanity, but also evidence of God, how we believe and the evolution of religion.

What Makes Us Human is based on talks presented at a symposium in Oxford 2006. It is a fascinating and wide-ranging exploration of humanity and human nature.

Just a warning: some contributors are barely tolerant of religion and people of faith.

Karyl Davison