Death, Hope and Sex: Steps to an Evolutionary Ecology of Mind and Morality [Hardcover]

James S. Chisholm (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052159281X | ISBN-13: 978-0521592819 | Publication Date: September 28, 1999 | Edition: 1

By showing how and why human nature is what it is, evolutionary theory can help us see better what we need to do to improve the human condition. Following evolutionary theory to its logical conclusion, Death, Hope and Sex uses life history theory and attachment theory to construct a model of human nature in which critical features are understood in terms of the development of alternative reproductive strategies contingent on environmental risk and uncertainty. James Chisholm examines the implications of this model for perspectives on concerns associated with human reproduction, including teen pregnancy, and young male violence. He thus develops new approaches for thorny issues such as the nature-nurture and mind-body dichotomies. Bridging the gap between the social and biological sciences, this far-reaching volume will be a source of inspiration, debate and discussion for all those interested in the evolution of human nature and the potential for an evolutionary humanism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The strength of this book lies in the balanced approach that it takes in integrating biological and social ideas of causation into a holistic framework for understanding human behavior. Both its attention to scholarly detail and its easy to read style make it an excellent choice for all who are interested in human behavior. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty." Choice

Book Description

Death, Hope and Sex examines how and why human nature is what it is, following evoutionary theory to its logical conclusion. Uniquely focussing on reproductive strategies as contingent on environmental risk and uncertainties, James Chisholm sheds new light on teen pregnancy, young male violence and risk-taking and provides an evolutionary rationale for valuing human rights equality and freedom. Bridging the gap between the social and biological sciences, this far-reaching volume will be a source of inspiration, debate and discussion for all those interested in the evolution of human nature.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 310 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (September 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052159281X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521592819
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,697,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars death, hope and sex, October 3, 2000

By 

Peter Gray - See all my reviews

This review is from: Death, Hope and Sex: Steps to an Evolutionary Ecology of Mind and Morality (Paperback)

Chisholm unites issues that rarely meet under one cover: attachment theory, reproductive strategies and evolutionary theory. The first chapter lays out the basis of evolutionary humanism. This chapter will interest many though it remains debatable whether Chisholm's arguments refute the naturalistic fallacy, as he contends. The second chapter on evolution and development provides a fantastic link between the intergenerational concerns of population geneticists and phenotypic focus of developmentalists. Remaining chapters investigate the role of attachment theory in influencing an individual's later reproductive strategy and, intertwining with attachment style, the influence of risk and uncertainty in shaping male and female reproductive strategies. Throughout, he explores the implication of his contention that, "the ultimate function of life is reproduction--that value itself originates in reproductive (fitness, continuance), not health, wealth, or happiness--evolutionary theory specifies the target at which we should aim," and more.