‘본성(nature)’과 ‘양육(nurture)’의 관점에서 본 헉슬리의 『멋진 신세계』

Abstract

This paper reviews Huxley’s <Brave New World> from the perspective of nature and nurture. In regards to the dispute of nature vs. nurture, it changed in the 19th century from a structure of ‘inborn’ vs. ‘acquire’ to a structure of ‘heredity’ vs. ‘environment’. <Brave New World> is a stable world that has been created by controlling both ‘heredity and environment’. Namely, this world is the final edition of the view of the world of Newton seeking to explain nature as an Order. Aldous Huxley upon constructing ‘Empire of Order’ ruling over both nature and nurture throws a question on human existence. In addition, he warns that ‘Will to Order’ intended by scientific civilization that seeks to control humans and nature is bound to fail. Humans cannot become happy through order, and the potential of humans is outside of scientific control. <Brave New World> is not a simple dystopia discourse. It includes an introspection on human existence going beyond the paradigm of modern science.