Aggression and Peacefulness in Humans and Other Primates [Hardcover]

James Silverberg (Editor), J. Patrick Gray (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0195071190 | ISBN-13: 978-0195071191 | Edition: First Edition

This book explores the role of aggression in primate social systems and its implications for human behavior. Many people look to primate studies to see if and how we might be able to predict violent behavior in humans, or ultimately to control war. Of particular interest in the study of primate aggression are questions such as: how do primates use aggression to maintain social organization; what are the costs of aggression; why do some primates avoid aggressive behavior altogether. Students and researchers in primatology, behavioral biology, anthropology, and psychology will read with interest as the editors and contributors to this book address these and other basic research questions about aggression. They bring new information to the topic as well as an integrated view of aggression that combines important evolutionary considerations with developmental, sociological and cultural perspectives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It did succeed brilliantly in widening the narrow focus of the SSV by providing a more balance view of what 'science does know about aggression and violence in humans and other animals.'. . .you will finish with the. . .sense that aggression and peacefulness is an urgent issues, and that good, responsible science is imperative since science and society cannot be separated." --American Journal of Physical Anthropology

"Rich in data and clear thinking. Most of the contributions are competent and readable summaries of the state of affairs within the respective disciplines. . .a must for primatologists, anthropologists, students of war and peace and in general anyone interested in the comparative and/or evolutionary study of behavior. . .the book looks, feels and smells good." --Human Ethology Newsletter

"Timely. . .11 well-presented essays bring together recent perspectives. . .exciting. . .It does move us toward a clearer understanding of both aggression and peacefulness." --American Anthropologist

"Interesting. . .designed to yield insights into the human condition through interspecific behavioral comparisons. . .I commend it to anyone concerned about aggression and violence among humans and our primate relatives." --The Quarterly Review of Biology

"Competent and very readable summaries of the state of the art within the respective disciplines or specialisms. . . . a must for primatologists, psychologists, anthropologists, students of war and peace in preindustrial societies, and in general anyone interested in the comparative and/or evolutionary study of behavior." --European Sociobiological Society

About the Author

James Silverberg is Professor Emeritus and J. Patrick Gray is an Associate Professor of Anthropology, both at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 328 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First Edition edition (March 19, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195071190
• ISBN-13: 978-0195071191
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,422,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)