Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind

by Buss, David M.

• ISBN13: 9780205193585
• ISBN10: 0205193587
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-01-01
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Summary

Evolutionary psychology is a new and revolutionary science, rapidly growing in scientific practice and media attention. David Buss, a leading researcher in the field, has written the first comprehensive text on the subject, introducing students to a new perspective on the fascinating puzzles of human nature. Composed of cutting-edge research and featuring an engaging writing style, the author offers compelling scientific answers to the profound human questions of love and work. Beginning with a historical introduction, the text logically progresses by discussing adaptive problems that humans face, and ends with a unifying chapter showing how the new field of evolutionary psychology encompasses all branches of psychology. Each chapter is alive with the subjects that most occupy our minds: sex, mating, getting along, getting ahead, friends, enemies, and social hierarchies. Why is child abuse 40 times more prevalent among step-families than biologically intact families? According to one study, why did 75% of men but 0% of women consent to have sex with a complete stranger? Buss explores these intriguing quandaries with his vision of psychology in the new millennium as a new science of the mind.

Table of Contents

Preface	xix	(2)
Acknowledgments	xxi
PART ONE Foundations of Evolutionary Psychology	1	(66)
1 The Scientific Movements Leading to Evolutionary Psychology	3	(30)
2 The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology	33	(34)
PART TWO Problems of Survival	67	(30)
3 Combating the Hostile Forces of Nature: Human Survival Problems	69	(28)
PART THREE Challenges of Sex and Mating	97	(90)
4 Women's Long-Term Mating Strategies	99	(32)
5 Men's Long-Term Mating Strategies	131	(30)
6 Short-Term Sexual Strategies	161	(26)
PART FOUR Challenges of Parenting and Kinship	187	(64)
7 Problems of Parenting	189	(33)
8 Problems of Kinship	222	(29)
PART FIVE Problems of Group Living	251	(120)
9 Cooperative Alliances	253	(25)
10 Aggression and Warfare	278	(34)
11 Conflict between the Sexes	312	(33)
12 Status, Prestige, and Social Dominance	345	(26)
PART SIX An Integrated Psychological Science	371
13 Toward a Unified Evolutionary Psychology	373