Evolution and Human Behaviour
Darwinian Perspectives on Human Nature
2nd Edition
Published on 4. March 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
448 pages
978-0-333-98632-5 (ISBN)
Description
Evolutionary psychology, with insights from genetics, anthropology and cognitive psychology, illuminates how fundamental aspects of the way humans think, feel and interact derive from reproductive interests and an ultimate need for survival. In this updated and expanded edition, the author considers the emergence of Homo sapiens as a species and looks at contemporary issues, such as familial relationships and conflict and cooperation, in light of key theoretical principles. The book covers basic concepts including natural and sexual selection, life history theory and the fundamentals of genetics. New material will be found in chapters on emotion, culture, incest avoidance, ethics and cognition, and a whole section devoted to the evolutionary analysis of mental disorders. This comprehensive textbook will be of great value to students of psychology, human biology and physical and cultural anthroplogy.
Reviews / Votes
'This offers a well-balanced approach to the subject of evolutionary approaches to human behaviour. The revised edition still contains more evolutionary biology than other evolutionary psychology textbooks which is a real strength. The new chapter on ethics is a valuable addition as it presents philosophical arguments linked to an evolutionary approach to human behaviour.' - Dr Julie Coultas, University of Sussex 'I warmly welcome this new edition. The author has expanded and updated the content and scope while maintaining the critical approach so important in the first edition. The inclusion of newer material means that this text will form a good "fit" to numerous evolutionary courses now on offer, whether as undergraduate options, or for more advanced Master's programmes.' - Dr Nick Neave, Northumbria UniversityMore details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Basingstoke
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 245 mm
Width: 189 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
854 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-333-98632-5 (9780333986325)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Book
03/2000
Palgrave Macmillan
€30.94
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
JOHN CARTWRIGHT is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chester College of Higher Education, affiliated to the University of Liverpool, UK, where he teaches courses on Darwin and the evolutionary approach to understanding human behaviour.
Content
PART ONE: FUNDAMENTALS OF THE EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH Historical Introduction: Evolution and Theories of Mind and Behaviour, Darwin and After Darwinism, Inclusive Fitness and the Selfish Gene Sex, Sexual Selection and Life History Theory Foundations of Darwinian Psychology PART TWO: HUMAN EVOLUTIONAN AND ITS CONSEQUENCES The Evolution of Homo Sapiens Encephalisation and the Emergence of the Human Mind PART THREE: COGNITION AND EMOTION Modularity, Cognition and Reasoning Emotions PART FOUR: COOPERATION AND CONFLICT Kin Selection and Altruism Conflict Within Families and Other Groups PART FIVE: MATING AND MATE CHOICE Human Sexual Behaviour: Mating Systems and Mating Strategies Human Mate Choice: The Evolutionary Logic of Sexual Desire Incest Avoidance and the Westermarck Effect PART SIX: THE DISORDERED MIND Mental Disorders: Some Theoretical Approaches Mental Disorders: Some Case Studies PART SEVEN: WIDER CONTEXTS The Evolution of Culture: Genes and Memes Ethics Epilogue: The Use and Abuse of Evolutionary Theory