Revolutionary Biology: The New, Gene-Centered View of Life (Hardcover)

~ David Barash (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A very readable discourse on the gene-centered view of life. Highly recommended for all levels of readers." - P. R. Douville, professor emeritus, Central Connecticut State University, Choice --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

There is a revolution underway in biology. It is based on a new perception of bodies and genes, in which the former are the end product of the latter within the continuum of evolution. Twenty five years after Richard Dawkins helped revolutionize our thinking about "selfish genes," it is time to re-evaluate. Revolutionary Biology explains in simple, vivid terms what this exciting approach has to offer, and then applies its stunning insights to human beings. This novel perspective, gaivanizes our understanding of how evolution works, what living things are all about and, not least what it means to be human. The controversial disciplines of sociobiology and evolutionary psychology have generated startling insights into longstanding questions concerning the nature and purpose of families, altruism vs. selfishness, and free will vs. biological determinism. Written by one of its foremost figures, Revolutionary Biology is a manifesto and educated layman's guide to this ongoing revolution. Barash's purpose is to demystify the basic concepts of the genetic revolution and take the reader on a tour - accessible and authoritative - of the principles that underlie this fascinating turn in scientific thought. Much has been written about evolution, animals, and the animal and evolutionary origins of human behavior, yet only recently have biologists begun to appreciate these connections. The key concept is that genes - not species, not groups, and not even individuals - are the apple of evolution's eye. The result has been a major biological paradigm shift that is making itself felt in the social sciences as well. Barash explores the phenomenon of atruism both at the animal level, and the human level. Barash draws not only on a wealth of biological evidence but on literature, philosophy, and the familiar details of everyday life to communicate the essentials of this increasingly influential approach to the study of the human species. Clearly and engagingly written. Revolutionary Biology will be fascinating reading for those seeking an entry into this new science.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 213 pages
• Publisher: Transaction Publishers; 1 edition (February 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765800675
• ISBN-13: 978-0765800671
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,089,357 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Too rambling, too biblical, September 25, 2004

By	Tolstoevsky (Lafayette, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Revolutionary Biology: The New, Gene-Centered View of Life (Paperback)

I think the author might manage to cover some of the important basics of evolutionary psychology and biology, but I found it very hard to pick out any useful information buried in his loose and rambling writing style. I commend the author for trying to cover a highly technical area in a manner that tries to be accessible to a lay audience, but it doesn't work for me. I also found the frequent biblical references and quotes to be excessive and unnecessary.

A much better coverage of the "gene-centered way of life" can be found in Vertosick's "The Genius Within." While this requires slow and careful reading, it should be accessible (and quite fascinating)to the non-scientists among us.