In this ambitious and unusual work, evolutionary biologist Gordon H Orians explores the role of evolution in human responses to the environment, beginning with why we have emotions and ending with evolutionary approaches to aesthetics. Orians reveals how our emotional lives today are shaped by decisions our ancestors made centuries ago on African savannas as they selected places to live, sought food and safety, and socialized in small hunter-gatherer groups. During this time our likes and dislikes became wired in our brains, as the appropriate responses to the environment meant the difference between survival or death. His rich analysis explains why we mimic the tropical savannas of our ancestors in our parks and gardens, why we are simultaneously attracted to danger and approach it cautiously, and how paying close attention to nature's sounds has resulted in us being an unusually musical species. We also learn why we have developed discriminating palates for wine, and why we have strong reactions to some odors, and why we enjoy classifying almost everything.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"No scholar better understands the intimate linkage between evolutionary biology and the human condition, and none has expressed it in a more interesting and well-illustrated manner than Orians." (E. O. Wilson, Harvard University) "A neat, thought-provoking volume." (New Scientist) "Orians argues that our emotional responses to aesthetics in nature are hardwired and an evolutionary legacy of our animal origins. Here, he explores the relationship between our 'ghosts of environments past' and our view of the world." (Times Higher Education)
Sprache
Verlagsort
Verlagsgruppe
The University of Chicago Press
Maße
Höhe: 23 mm
Breite: 16 mm
Dicke: 1 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-226-27182-8 (9780226271828)
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Schweitzer Klassifikation
Gordon H. Orians lives in Seattle, where he is professor emeritus of biology at the University of Washington. He is the author or editor of several books, including, most recently, Red-Winged Blackbirds: Decision-Making and Reproductive Success and Life: The Science of Biology.
