Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind

Synopsis

Where did we come from?

What is our connection with other life forms?

What are the mechanisms of mind that define what it means to be a human being?

Evolutionary psychology is a revolutionary new science, a true synthesis of modern principles of psychology and evolutionary biology. Since the publication of the award-winning first edition of Evolutionary Psychology, there has been an explosion of research within the field. In this book, David M. Buss examines human behavior from an evolutionary perspective, providing students with the conceptual tools needed to study evolutionary psychology and apply them to empirical research on the human mind.

This edition contains expanded coverage of cultural evolution, with a new section on culture-gene co-evolution, additional studies discussing interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals, expanded discussions of evolutionary hypotheses that have been empirically disconfirmed, and much more!

Evolutionary Psychology features a wealth of student-friendly pedagogy including critical-thinking questions and case study boxes designed to show how to apply evolutionary psychology to real-life situations. It is an invaluable resource for undergraduates studying psychology, biology and anthropology.

See "Support Material" below for new online resources, including PowerPoint slides and Instructor's Manual and Test Bank.

About the Publisher

Routledge

Routledge is the world's leading academic publisher in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We publish thousands of books and journals each year, serving scholars, instructors, and professional communities worldwide. Our current publishing programme encompasses groundbreaking textbooks and premier, peer-reviewed research in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Built Environment. We have partnered with many of the most influential societies and academic bodies to publish their journals and book series. Readers can access tens of thousands of print and e-books from our extensive catalogue of titles. Routledge is a member of Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Evolutionary Perspective

* Explores the central tenets of evolutionary psychology, arguing that human behavior and cognition are shaped by natural selection.
* Real-world example: The fear of heights is an evolved adaptation that helped our ancestors survive by avoiding dangerous falls.

Chapter 2: Mating and Mate Choice

* Examines the evolutionary mechanisms underlying mate preferences and courtship behaviors.
* Real-world example: Men are typically attracted to women with physical features that indicate youth and fertility, as these traits are associated with reproductive success.

Chapter 3: Parental Investment and the Family

* Investigates the evolutionary basis of parental care, sibling competition, and other family dynamics.
* Real-world example: Mothers invest more time and resources in their children than fathers, as they are biologically the more certain parents.

Chapter 4: Cooperation and Competition

* Explores the psychological and social adaptations that have evolved to facilitate cooperation and manage competition.
* Real-world example: The "cheater detection" mechanism allows us to identify and punish individuals who attempt to exploit cooperation without contributing.

Chapter 5: Violence and Aggression

* Examines the evolutionary roots of violence and aggression, including the role of self-defense, resource competition, and social dominance.
* Real-world example: The "fight-or-flight" response is an evolved physiological mechanism that prepares us to confront or flee threats.

Chapter 6: Language and Communication

* Investigates the evolutionary origins and functions of language, focusing on its role in communication, social bonding, and cultural transmission.
* Real-world example: Language allows us to convey complex ideas and experiences, facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing within social groups.

Chapter 7: Morality and Altruism

* Examines the evolutionary basis of moral behavior and altruism, exploring the role of empathy, social norms, and reputation.
* Real-world example: The golden rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you") is a moral principle that promotes cooperation and reduces conflict.

Chapter 8: Intelligence and Creativity

* Investigates the evolutionary origins and functions of intelligence and creativity, emphasizing their role in problem-solving, adaptation, and innovation.
* Real-world example: The ability to invent and use tools is a hallmark of human intelligence, allowing us to overcome environmental challenges and improve our survival.

Chapter 9: Consciousness and Self-Awareness

* Explores the evolutionary origins and functions of consciousness and self-awareness, including their role in decision-making, introspection, and personal identity.
* Real-world example: Consciousness allows us to reflect on our thoughts and experiences, enabling us to make informed choices and develop a sense of self.

Chapter 10: Future Directions in Evolutionary Psychology

* Discusses the emerging areas of research within evolutionary psychology, such as the role of epigenetics, the interaction of genes and environment, and the evolution of culture.
* Real-world example: Recent studies have shown that environmental factors can influence gene expression, potentially shaping our psychology and behavior.