Evolution and Human Behavior

by Cartwright, John

• ISBN13: 9780262533041
• ISBN10: 0262533049
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-07-31
• Publisher: Bradford Books

Summary

Evolutionary psychology occupies an important place in the drive to understand and explain human behavior. Darwinian ideas provide powerful tools to illuminate 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 of Evolution and Human Behavior,John Cartwright considers the emergence of Homo sapiensas 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 reasoning. Two new chapters are devoted to the evolutionary analysis of mental disorders. Students of psychology, human biology, and physical and cultural anthropology will find Evolution and Human Behaviora comprehensive textbook of great value. A Bradford Book

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of the Evolutionary Approach

Historical Introduction

Evolution and Theories of Mind and Behavior, Darwin and After

Darwinism, Inclusive Fitness and the Selfish Gene

Sex, Sexual Selection and Life History Theory

Foundations of Darwinian Psychology

Human Evolution and its Consequences

The Evolution of Homo Sapiens

Encephalization and the Emergence of the Human Mind

Cognition and Emotion

Modularity, Cognition and Reasoning

Emotions

Cooperation and Conflict

Kin Selection and Altruism

Conflict Within Families and Other Groups

Mating and Mate Choice

Human Sexual Behavior

Mating Systems and Mating Strategies

Human Mate Choice

The Evolutionary Logic of Sexual Desire

Incest Avoidance and the Westermarck Effect

The Disordered Mind

Mental Disorders

Some Theoretical Approaches

Mental Disorders

Some Case Studies

Wider Contexts

The Evolution of Culture

Genes and Memes

Ethics

Epilogue: The Use and Abuse of Evolutionary Theory

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.