Born to Choose
Evolution, Self, and Well-Being
Published on 5. September 2017
304 pages
978-1-351-60267-9 (ISBN)
Description
Born to Choose is John H. Falk's compelling account of why and how we make the endless set of choices we do, every second of every day of our lives. Synthesizing research from across the biological and social sciences, Falk argues that human choice-making is an evolutionarily ancient and complex process. He suggests that all our choices are influenced by very basic and early evolving needs, and that ultimately each choice is designed to support survival in the guise of perceived well-being. This engaging book breaks new intellectual ground and enhances our understanding not just of human choice-making but human behavior overall.
Reviews / Votes
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Born to Choose because it rings true with my decades-long scientific study of the principles behind the evolution of physiology. I was particularly interested in the way Falk related choice to the process of homeostasis. Professor Falk has put his finger on the pulse of human existence."John S. Torday, UCLA, USA "Professor Falk has put his finger on the pulse of human existence."
- John S. Torday, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
1 Tables, black and white
File size
2,42 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-351-60267-9 (9781351602679)
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
Additional editions
Book
09/2017
1st Edition
Left Coast Press Inc
€232.10
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Book
09/2017
1st Edition
Left Coast Press Inc
€61.70
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
John H. Falk is Executive Director of the Institute for Learning Innovation and Professor Emeritus of Free-Choice STEM Learning at Oregon State University, USA. He holds a joint doctorate in ecology and science education, and has published widely on a range of topics.
Content
1. Born to Choose: An Introduction Part I Developing the Well-Being Systems Model 2. Well-Being and Choice 3. Well-Being, Self and Self-Related Needs 4. The Origins of Well-Being Systems 5. Well-Being Systems and the Brain 6. The Well-Being Systems Model Part II Evolution and Workings of Well-Being Systems 7. Continuity (Originating More Than 3.7 Billion Years Ago) 8. Individuality (Originating More Than 3.5 Billion Years Ago) 9. Sexuality (Originating More Than 2 Billion Years Ago) 10. Sociality (Originating More Than 600 Million Years Ago) 11. Relationality (Originating More Than 16 Million Years Ago) 12. Reflectivity (Originating More Than 5 Million Years Ago) 13. Creativity and Spirituality (Originating More Than 350,000 Years Ago) Part III Applying the Well-Being Systems Model 14. Understanding the Individual in the Moment 15. Understanding the Individual Over Time 16. Understandings Beyond the Individual Afterword
