Meaning: The quote "Every step in the progress of this study has tended to obliterate the technical barriers by which logicians have sought to separate the inquiries relating to the several parts of man's nature" by Richard Owen, a prominent scientist and paleontologist, reflects the idea that the study of human nature and its different aspects should not be compartmentalized and separated by technical barriers. Instead, it suggests that progress in understanding human nature has been achieved by breaking down these barriers and integrating the various inquiries into a more holistic and comprehensive approach.

Richard Owen, who lived in the 19th century, was a British biologist, comparative anatomist, and paleontologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the structure and classification of animals, including humans. He is perhaps best known for coining the term "dinosaur" and for his work on fossil reptiles and mammals.

In the quote, Owen emphasizes the interconnectedness of the inquiries into different aspects of human nature. He argues that attempts by logicians (philosophers and scholars who study logic and reasoning) to separate and compartmentalize these inquiries with technical barriers have been gradually overcome by the progress of the study. This suggests that a more integrated and interdisciplinary approach has emerged, leading to a more holistic understanding of human nature.

Owen's perspective is particularly relevant in the context of scientific and philosophical inquiries into human nature. Throughout history, the study of human nature has been approached from various disciplines, including psychology, biology, anthropology, sociology, and philosophy. Each of these disciplines has its own methodologies, theories, and technical language, which can create barriers to a comprehensive understanding of human nature when they are strictly separated.

By advocating for the obliteration of these technical barriers, Owen implies that a more unified and interdisciplinary approach to the study of human nature is not only beneficial but also necessary for making meaningful progress. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complexities of human nature, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and cultural aspects.

Furthermore, Owen's quote underscores the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of different aspects of human nature. Rather than isolating inquiries into physical, mental, emotional, or social aspects of human nature, he suggests that a more integrated approach can lead to a deeper and more holistic understanding of what it means to be human.

In conclusion, Richard Owen's quote emphasizes the need to break down the technical barriers that have traditionally separated inquiries into the different parts of human nature. By advocating for a more integrated and interdisciplinary approach, Owen highlights the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of human nature. His perspective continues to resonate in the ongoing efforts to understand the complexities of human nature from a more holistic and comprehensive standpoint.