Darwin and the Emergence of Evolutionary Theories of Mind and Behavior

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Health & Well Being, Psychology
Cover of the book Darwin and the Emergence of Evolutionary Theories of Mind and Behavior by Robert J. Richards, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert J. Richards ISBN: 9780226149516
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: June 1, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Robert J. Richards
ISBN: 9780226149516
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: June 1, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

With insight and wit, Robert J. Richards focuses on the development of evolutionary theories of mind and behavior from their first distinct appearance in the eighteenth century to their controversial state today. Particularly important in the nineteenth century were Charles Darwin's ideas about instinct, reason, and morality, which Richards considers against the background of Darwin's personality, training, scientific and cultural concerns, and intellectual community. Many critics have argued that the Darwinian revolution stripped nature of moral purpose and ethically neutered the human animal. Richards contends, however, that Darwin, Herbert Spencer, and their disciples attempted to reanimate moral life, believing that the evolutionary process gave heart to unselfish, altruistic behavior.

"Richards's book is now the obvious introduction to the history of ideas about mind and behavior in the nineteenth century."—Mark Ridley, Times Literary Supplement

"Not since the publication of Michael Ghiselin's The Triumph of the Darwinian Method has there been such an ambitious, challenging, and methodologically self-conscious interpretation of the rise and development and evolutionary theories and Darwin's role therein."—John C. Greene, Science

"His book . . . triumphantly achieves the goal of all great scholarship: it not only informs us, but shows us why becoming thus informed is essential to understanding our own issues and projects."—Daniel C. Dennett, Philosophy of Science

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

With insight and wit, Robert J. Richards focuses on the development of evolutionary theories of mind and behavior from their first distinct appearance in the eighteenth century to their controversial state today. Particularly important in the nineteenth century were Charles Darwin's ideas about instinct, reason, and morality, which Richards considers against the background of Darwin's personality, training, scientific and cultural concerns, and intellectual community. Many critics have argued that the Darwinian revolution stripped nature of moral purpose and ethically neutered the human animal. Richards contends, however, that Darwin, Herbert Spencer, and their disciples attempted to reanimate moral life, believing that the evolutionary process gave heart to unselfish, altruistic behavior.

"Richards's book is now the obvious introduction to the history of ideas about mind and behavior in the nineteenth century."—Mark Ridley, Times Literary Supplement

"Not since the publication of Michael Ghiselin's The Triumph of the Darwinian Method has there been such an ambitious, challenging, and methodologically self-conscious interpretation of the rise and development and evolutionary theories and Darwin's role therein."—John C. Greene, Science

"His book . . . triumphantly achieves the goal of all great scholarship: it not only informs us, but shows us why becoming thus informed is essential to understanding our own issues and projects."—Daniel C. Dennett, Philosophy of Science

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Lectures on Kant's Political Philosophy by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Sovereign of the Market by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Selling Power by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Zebra Stripes by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book The Soldier's Art by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Piracy by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book History of Religious Ideas, Volume 3 by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Reading Sounds by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book The Western Flyer by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Gods and Demons, Priests and Scholars by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Doing Style by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book States of Terror by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book Visions of Queer Martyrdom from John Henry Newman to Derek Jarman by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book The Roots of Radicalism by Robert J. Richards
Cover of the book At Lady Molly's by Robert J. Richards
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy