
Sex, Science And Profits
Terence Kealey(Author)
William Heinemann Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 17. January 2008
Book
Hardback
464 pages
978-0-434-00824-7 (ISBN)
Description
The question 'What is art?' is frequently debated - often by works of 'art' themselves. The question 'What is science?' appears to be discussed less often, and less publicly - though the answers could be even more revealing about our species...Some people see science as a public good, funded by governments and philanthropists, and performed by altruistic scientists for the benefit of mankind. Such people view science as progress. But others see science as a private good, driven by profit, promoted by businesses and certain institutions looking for economic and political power. Such science may be dangerous. In this original ground-breaking book in the tradition of Richard Dawkins and Jared Diamond, Terence Kealey shows that science is not a thing apart but rather, like trade and contract, embedded in human nature, having evolved on the evolutionary principles of natural and sexual selection. "Sex, Science and Profits" ranges across history to explore the nature of science, economics and philosophy.
Starting with the Neolithic discovery of tools, this book explains the role of concubines in Ancient Egypt and the emergence of the Portuguese as Europe's premier seafaring explorers; questions the usefulness of patents, and describes how the race for technological progress plays out between nations, governments and corporations. Richly multi-disciplinary, witty, brilliant and thought-provoking, "Sex, Science and Profits" shows how an understanding of sexual and natural selection can transform our view of progress in economics, business and technology. It is an important and controversial book.
Starting with the Neolithic discovery of tools, this book explains the role of concubines in Ancient Egypt and the emergence of the Portuguese as Europe's premier seafaring explorers; questions the usefulness of patents, and describes how the race for technological progress plays out between nations, governments and corporations. Richly multi-disciplinary, witty, brilliant and thought-provoking, "Sex, Science and Profits" shows how an understanding of sexual and natural selection can transform our view of progress in economics, business and technology. It is an important and controversial book.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Cornerstone
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paper over boards
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 38 mm
Weight
744 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-434-00824-7 (9780434008247)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Terence Kealey is a clinical biochemist specialising in the biochemistry of hair. He writes regularly for the Spectator, the Telegraph, the Sunday Telegraph and the New Scientist.