The Resource Library: Evolutionary Explanations of Human Behaviour (Routledge Modular Psychology) [Paperback]

John H. Cartwright (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415241480 | ISBN-13: 978-0415241489 | Publication Date: December 26, 2001 | Edition: 1

In recent years, a new discipline has arisen that argues human behaviour can be understood in terms of evolutionary processes. Evolutionary Explanations of Human Behaviour is an introductory level book covering evolutionary psychology, this new and controversial field. The book deals with three main areas: human reproductive behaviour, evolutionary explanations of mental disorders and the evolution of intelligence and the brain. The book is particularly suitable for the AQA-A A2 syllabus, but will also be of interest to undergraduates studying evolutionary psychology for the first time and anyone with a general interest in this new discipline.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Cartwright is a senior lecturer in Biology at Chester College of Higher Education, an institution affiliated to the University of Liverpool. He teaches courses on Evolution, Evolutionary Psychology as well as the History of Science, and is the author of several books in these areas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (December 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415241480
• ISBN-13: 978-0415241489
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,294,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and enlightening read, November 1, 2008

By 

K. Chatterji "Bookhooked" (NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Evolutionary Explanations of Human Behaviour (Routledge Modular Psychology) (Kindle Edition)

Looking for a book that could introduce me to basic concepts in evolutionary psychology, I came across this Kindle edition and found myself engrossed several hours later, having not moved much other than to turn pages! Cartwright manages to provide a solid and in-depth look into an enormously broad field without becoming dry or overly academic. Chapters are divided into topics such as sex selection (Why does a male peacock have a tail that has no apparent biological purpose, while the female peahen has no equivalent? Because the male has evolved a trait that will make him more attractive to potential carriers of his offspring.) to why babies cling to objects after infancy (a vestige from when infants gripped fur to keep from falling from their mothers) to why men seek physical descriptions in personal ads while women are interested in the wealth and status of potential male partners. The topics were just varied enough to keep a layperson's interest but stimulating enough to provoke a deeper curiosity. Very impressive!