ISBN:
9780511752407
Language:
English
Pages:
1 Online-Ressource (xiv, 376 pages)
,
digital, PDF file(s)
Parallel Title:
Print version
DDC:
304.2/7
Keywords:
Social psychology
;
Human biology Social aspects
;
Social evolution
;
Human behavior
;
Human behavior
;
Social evolution
;
Social psychology
;
Human biology ; Social aspects
Abstract:
Biology and Freedom, first published in 1989, is an essay on human nature: an attempt to make a just assessment of a species often presented as predominantly and unavoidably violent, grasping, selfish and stupid. Likening human beings to animals is a traditional method of influencing attitudes on morals and politics. But in this book Professor Barnett shows that modern ethology, experimental psychology, genetics and evolutionary theory give the now fashionable misanthropy no authentic support. In doing so he asks whether the theory of evolution has any bearing on Machiavellianism in politics or the concept of original sin; and whether laboratory experiments on the effects of reward and punishment tell us anything about the enigma of free will. Combining the findings of biology with logic and humour, Professor Barnett gives a lucid alternative portrait of humanity in which he stresses the questions that the complexities of human existence will raise long after current myths have faded. This book is for all interested in human nature and the future of human society
Note:
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015)
DOI:
10.1017/CBO9780511752407
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