Chaos and Intoxication - Complexity and Adaptation in the Structure of Human Nature (Hardcover)

Why are people often so unpredictable? Why do they do things which can often cause great personal harm even whey they know this to be the case? This volume seeks to address these and many other enduring questions through a detailed discussion of the chaotic nature of human existence. It explores three general areas, the first of which is neurobiology and genetics. The evolution of the mind is examined from a Darwinian perspective, drawing attention to the way chance and uncertainty in development are structured by natural selection. Key findings from current biological and medical research are reviewed, the interrelationship between genetics and experience is explored, and Gerald Edelman's theory of the evolution of the mind through natural selection is discussed. The second theme, cognition and collective action, is considered in the light of evidence indicating that the way we think is also subject to natural selection. Furthermore, it is argued that there is a meaningful distinction between reason (adaptive rationality) and formal rationality. Finally, recent research into chaos theory, order and complexity is reviewed.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	October 1997
First published:	1997
Authors:	Alan Dean
Dimensions:	216 x 138 x 16mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	200
ISBN-13:	978-0-415-14614-2
Categories:	Books > Social sciences > Psychology > Social, group or collective psychology Books > Humanities > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Philosophy of mind Books > Social sciences > Psychology > Philosophy & theory of psychology > Behavioural theory (Behaviourism) Books > Science & Mathematics > Mathematics > Applied mathematics > Chaos theory Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social issues > Illness & addiction: social aspects > Drug addiction & substance abuse Books > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Philosophy of mind Promotions
LSN:	0-415-14614-3
Barcode:	9780415146142

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