The status and concept of man from European point of view.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present various conceptions of man and his status in different civilizations and cultures during the history of mankind. The author focuses the main attention on European philosophical thinking, beginning in Ancient Greek philosophy, continuing in Christianity, and especially in anthropocentrically oriented Descartes´ attitude which becomes even stronger during The Enlightenment period. In spite of the dangers brought by contemporary technical civilization, man still remains the subject of European philosophical thought.