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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Evolution

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The Moral Animal - Why We Are The Way We Are (Paperback, New Ed) Loot Price: R374
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The Moral Animal - Why We Are The Way We Are (Paperback, New Ed): Robert Wright

The Moral Animal - Why We Are The Way We Are (Paperback, New Ed)

Robert Wright

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List price R458 Loot Price R374 Discovery Miles 3 740 You Save R84 (18%)

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A provocative book by a senior editor of The New Republic, author of Three Scientists and Their Gods (1988), examining the vibrant new science of evolutionary psychology. Even though, according to this science, natural selection has molded human nature into a deterministic pattern of selfish behavior, says Wright, there is still hope for developing a common moral outlook as long as we accept the ramifications of our evolutionary legacy. Natural selection insures that individuals are subconsciously preoccupied with the propagation of their genes. Although the cold, underlying logic of natural selection doesn't care about our happiness, it fools us into thinking that by pursuing goals that make us happy, we will maximize our genetic legacy. Lost in this pursuit is any genuine concern about community welfare. This volume covers much of the same ground as William Allman's superb overview The Stone Age Present (p. 893). Wright extends Allman's arguments in much richer detail and a more authoritative tone, although he explains the science in a more roundabout manner. He weaves a complex and fascinating treatise in explaining the paradox of how society can engender moral and responsible actions when a strict Darwinian interpretation implies that human behavior is deterministic. Wright resolves this paradox by arguing that once people understand the Darwinian paradigm, they will understand their own subconscious motives, which is the first step towards addressing the bias toward self that natural selection instills in our minds. Many readers will feel uneasy reading Wright's dark and cynical portrayal of human nature, but he does a superb job of anticipating questions and objections. He points to a growing body of evidence that says this is the way we are whether we like it or not, and he argues we're better off if we accept this fact. (Kirkus Reviews)
In this work, Robert Wright examines a science that has emerged from the work of evolutionary biologists and social scientists. Taking the life and work of the evolutionist Charles Darwin as his context, Wright seeks to demonstrate how Darwin's ideas have stood the test of time and retells - from the perspective of evolutionary psychology - the stories of Darwin's marriage, family, life and career. From this paradigm, Wright draws conclusions about the structure of our most basic preoccupations - sex, ambition, politics, justice - aiming to throw light on the background of these fundamental instincts, and to show why they are so important to us. The work poses questions about not only the biological bases for morality, but also the biological bases for amorality.

General

Imprint: Abacus
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Release date: April 1996
Authors: Robert Wright
Dimensions: 198 x 128 x 31mm (L x W x T)
Format: Paperback - B-format
Pages: 466
Edition: New Ed
ISBN-13: 978-0-349-10704-2
Categories: Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Evolution
Books > Health, Home & Family > Self-help & practical interests > Popular psychology > General
LSN: 0-349-10704-1
Barcode: 9780349107042

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