Genetic Nature Culture

Author : Alan H. Goodman
Publisher : Univ of California Press
ISBN 13 : 0520237935
Total Pages : 330 pages
Book Rating : 4.33/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Genetic Nature/Culture written by Alan H. Goodman and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2003-11-06 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Individual essays address issues raised by the science, politics, and history of race, evolution, and identity; genetically modified organisms and genetic diseases; gene work and ethics; and the boundary between humans and animals. The result is an entree to the complicated nexus of questions prompted by the power and importance of genetics and genetic thinking, and the dynamic connections linking culture, biology, nature, and technoscience. The volume offers critical perspectives on science and culture, with contributions that span disciplinary divisions and arguments grounded in both biological perspectives and cultural analysis.

Author : Charles J Lumsden
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 981448069X
Total Pages : 496 pages
Book Rating : 4.97/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Genes, Mind, and Culture written by Charles J Lumsden and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2005-08-11 with total page 496 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Long considered one of the most provocative and demanding major works on human sociobiology, Genes, Mind, and Culture introduces the concept of gene-culture coevolution. It has been out of print for several years, and in this volume Lumsden and Wilson provide a much needed facsimile edition of their original work, together with a major review of progress in the discipline during the ensuing quarter century. They argue compellingly that human nature is neither arbitrary nor predetermined, and identify mechanisms that energize the upward translation from genes to culture. The authors also assess the properties of genetic evolution of mind within emergent cultural patterns. Lumsden and Wilson explore the rich and sophisticated data of developmental psychology and cognitive science in a fashion that, for the first time, aligns these disciplines with human sociobiology. The authors also draw on population genetics, cultural anthropology, and mathematical physics to set human sociobiology on a predictive base, and so trace the main steps that lead from the genes through human consciousness to culture. Contents:The Next Synthesis: 25 Years of Genes, Mind, and CultureThe Primary Epigenetic RulesThe Secondary Epigenetic RulesGene-Culture TranslationThe Gene-Culture Adaptive LandscapeThe Coevolutionary CircuitThe Biogeography of the MindGene-Culture Coevolution and Social Theory Readership: For the biological and social scientists, as well as applied mathematicians, philosophers, and historians of science, the book will indeed interest and be accessible to researchers, academics and lecturers. Keywords:Genes;Genome;Mind;Culture;Sociobiology;Meme;Consilience;Holism;Consciousness;Development;Epigenesis;Epigenetic;Emergence;Social Physics;Evolution;Darwin;Nonlinear Dynamics;Complexity;ChaosKey Features:Presents a richly multidisciplinary subject matter that appeal to academic readers in the biological, social, and mathematical sciences, as well as in philosophy and the history of scienceEach chapter is organized in a way that non-mathematical readers can assess the key arguments and results while reserving the mathematical sections for future studyExtensive use of diagrams and graphics supplement each chapter's text and mathematical developmentsA Glossary section makes the book's technical vocabulary instantly accessible at any point in the text

Author : William H. Durham
Publisher : Stanford University Press
ISBN 13 : 9780804721561
Total Pages : 658 pages
Book Rating : 4.64/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Coevolution written by William H. Durham and published by Stanford University Press. This book was released on 1991 with total page 658 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Charles Darwin's "On the Origins of Species" had two principal goals: to show that species had not been separately created and to show that natural selection had been the main force behind their proliferation and descent from common ancestors. In "Coevolution," the author proposes a powerful new theory of cultural evolution--that is, of the descent with modification of the shared conceptual systems we call "cultures"--that is parallel in many ways to Darwin's theory of organic evolution. The author suggests that a process of cultural selection, or preservation by preference, driven chiefly by choice or imposition depending on the circumstances, has been the main but not exclusive force of cultural change. He shows that this process gives rise to five major patterns or "modes" in which cultural change is at odds with genetic change. Each of the five modes is discussed in some detail and its existence confirmed through one or more case studies chosen for their heuristic value, the robustness of their data, and their broader implications. But "Coevolution" predicts not simply the existence of the five modes of gene-culture relations; it also predicts their relative importance in the ongoing dynamics of cultural change in particular cases. The case studies themselves are lucid and innovative reexaminations of an array of oft-pondered anthropological topics--plural marriage, sickle-cell anemia, basic color terms, adult lactose absorption, incest taboos, headhunting, and cannibalism. In a general case, the author's goal is to demonstrate that an evolutionary analysis of both genes and culture has much to contribute to our understanding of human diversity, particularly behavioral diversity, and thus to the resolution of age-old questions about nature and nurture, genes and culture.

Author : Heiner Mühlmann
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 156 pages
Book Rating : 4.94/5 ( download)

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Download or read book The Nature of Cultures written by Heiner Mühlmann and published by Springer. This book was released on 1996-05-24 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do stress behaviour, cooperation and the cultural evaluation of rules create cultural characteristics such as the two-thousand year old system of decorum and the principle of the sublime? Muhlmann describes how maximal-stress-cooperation (MSC) linked to the dynamics of warfare generates the cultural phenomenon of rule-adjustment-decorum, rule-adjustment being a discovery made while experimenting on Artificial Life. Using molecular and culture genetic as well as genetical algorithm methods, he proposes an evolutionary theory for Western culture.

Author : Peter J. Richerson
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
ISBN 13 : 0226712133
Total Pages : 343 pages
Book Rating : 4.30/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Not By Genes Alone written by Peter J. Richerson and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2008-06-20 with total page 343 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Humans are a striking anomaly in the natural world. While we are similar to other mammals in many ways, our behavior sets us apart. Our unparalleled ability to adapt has allowed us to occupy virtually every habitat on earth using an incredible variety of tools and subsistence techniques. Our societies are larger, more complex, and more cooperative than any other mammal's. In this stunning exploration of human adaptation, Peter J. Richerson and Robert Boyd argue that only a Darwinian theory of cultural evolution can explain these unique characteristics. Not by Genes Alone offers a radical interpretation of human evolution, arguing that our ecological dominance and our singular social systems stem from a psychology uniquely adapted to create complex culture. Richerson and Boyd illustrate here that culture is neither superorganic nor the handmaiden of the genes. Rather, it is essential to human adaptation, as much a part of human biology as bipedal locomotion. Drawing on work in the fields of anthropology, political science, sociology, and economics—and building their case with such fascinating examples as kayaks, corporations, clever knots, and yams that require twelve men to carry them—Richerson and Boyd convincingly demonstrate that culture and biology are inextricably linked, and they show us how to think about their interaction in a way that yields a richer understanding of human nature. In abandoning the nature-versus-nurture debate as fundamentally misconceived, Not by Genes Alone is a truly original and groundbreaking theory of the role of culture in evolution and a book to be reckoned with for generations to come. “I continue to be surprised by the number of educated people (many of them biologists) who think that offering explanations for human behavior in terms of culture somehow disproves the suggestion that human behavior can be explained in Darwinian evolutionary terms. Fortunately, we now have a book to which they may be directed for enlightenment . . . . It is a book full of good sense and the kinds of intellectual rigor and clarity of writing that we have come to expect from the Boyd/Richerson stable.”—Robin Dunbar, Nature “Not by Genes Alone is a valuable and very readable synthesis of a still embryonic but very important subject straddling the sciences and humanities.”—E. O. Wilson, Harvard University

Author : Sheldon Krimsky
Publisher : Columbia University Press
ISBN 13 : 0231156979
Total Pages : 314 pages
Book Rating : 4.74/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Race and the Genetic Revolution written by Sheldon Krimsky and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2011 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A project of the Council for Responsible Genetics."

Author : Jon Bird
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1134913044
Total Pages : 332 pages
Book Rating : 4.46/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Futurenatural written by Jon Bird and published by Routledge. This book was released on 1996-03-21 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We are living in an age when 'nature' seems to be on the brink of extinction yet, at the same time, 'nature' is becoming increasingly ubiquitous and unstable as a category for representation and debate. Futurenatural brings together leading theorists of culture and science to discuss the concept of 'nature' - its past, present and future. Contributors discuss the impact on our daily life of recent developments on biotechnologies, electronic media and ecological politics. Increasingly, scientific theories and models have been taken up as cultural metaphors that have material effects in transforming 'ways of seeing' and 'structures of feeling'. The book addresses the issue of whether political and cultural debates about the body and environment can take place without reference to 'nature' or the 'natural'. This collection considers how we might 'think' a future developing from emergent scientific theories and discourses. What cultural forms may be produced when new knowledges challenge and undermine traditional ways of conceiving the 'natural'.

Author : David J. Hosken
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119313686
Total Pages : 294 pages
Book Rating : 4.87/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Genes and Behaviour written by David J. Hosken and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2019-02-06 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides a broad snapshot of recent findings showing how the environment and genes influence behavior The great debate of nature versus nurture rages on — but our understanding of the genetic basis of many behaviors has expanded over the last decade, and there is now very good evidence showing that seemingly complex behaviours can have relatively simple genetic underpinnings, but also that most behaviours have very complicated genetic and environmental architecture. Studies have also clearly shown that behaviors, and other traits, are influenced not just by genes and the environment, but also by the statistical interaction between the two. This book aims to end the nature versus nurture argument by showing that behaviors are nature and nurture and the interaction between the two, and by illustrating how single genes can explain some of the variation in behaviors even when they are seemingly complex. Genes and Behaviour: Beyond Nature-Nurture puts to rest the nature versus nurture dichotomy, providing an up-to-date synopsis of where we are, how far we've come and where we are headed. It considers the effects of a dual-inheritance of genes and culture, and genes and social environment, and highlights how indirect genetic effects can affect the evolution of behavior. It also examines the effect of non-self genes on the behavior of hosts, shines a light on the nature and nurturing of animal minds and invites us to embrace all the complexity nature and nurture generates, and more. Explores exciting new findings about behavior and where we go from here Features contributions by top scholars of the subject Seeks to end the nature versus nurture debate forever Genes and Behaviour: Beyond Nature-Nurture is a unique, and eye-opening read that will appeal to Ph.D. Students, post-doctoral fellows, and researchers in evolution and behavior. Additionally, the book will also be of interest to geneticists, sociologists and philosophers.

Author : Bernard Charles Lamb
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9814632376
Total Pages : 400 pages
Book Rating : 4.79/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Human Diversity written by Bernard Charles Lamb and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2015-10-28 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ' Human diversity, with its myriad of different conditions involving biology, psychology, and social structures, remains one of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — facing the species. With many government and private firms now having diversity or equality officers, programmes or committees, it is clear that human diversity is a cornerstone of policy-making at the very highest echelons. All this points to a need for proper scientific and medical information on this topic — not soft ''politically correct'' sociology. This book provides the hard facts on human similarities and differences, their causes and effects on people. It covers the whole range from normal to extreme human types, and presents — for the first time — much of the author''s 25 years of original research on the subject. It can also act as a family medical guide to aspects of human function, structure and disease. It covers many human topics in a humane and understandable fashion, providing much material for information and discussion. It can be used as a handbook or textbook on human diversity, but is mainly popular science for the general public. A special feature of this book is the 140 colour photos that illustrate the diversity of human life, nearly all taken by the author himself. Given the vast nature of the subject, the book seamlessly integrates relevant data from multiple disciplines including medicine, biology, anthropology, genetics, psychology, evolution, languages, sociology, history and geography. Even controversial subjects such as race, class and culture are tackled head-on with no-nonsense scientific rigour. Contents:Introduction: Scope of the Book, Types of Human Difference and Their CausesRaces and Inter-Mixing, Nationalities, Cultures, Castes, Classes and ReligionsHeight, Weight, Shape and ObesityDifferences Between Males and Females; Reproduction and Its Production of Genetic DiversityPersonal Choice, Cosmetic and Preventative Surgery, Clothing and Make-UpLanguages — A Rich but Frustrating DiversityNames and IdentityAlbinos, Colour Blindness and Height: How Human Characteristics are InheritedThe Brain, Intelligence, Mind, Personality, Mental Problems, Learning, Memory, Creativity, HappinessSex, Attraction, Reproduction, Twins, IncestDiseases, Disorders, Immunity, CancerEating, Drinking, Diet, Digestion, Liver, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, Allergies, Food Intolerances, AnorexiaSkin, Skin Colour and DisordersThe Skeleton, Muscles, Osteoporosis, ME, Motor Neurone Disease, Muscular DystrophyHead, Face, Eyes, Ears, Sight, Hearing, Smell, TasteThe Heart; Heart Attacks, Strokes, High Blood PressureBlood, Blood Groups; Anaemia, Haemophilia, Leukaemia and Other Blood DisordersArms, Legs, Giants, Dwarfs, Arthritis, Left-HandednessKidneys, Urine, Bladder, Cystitis, Police Alcohol TestsLungs, Breathing, AsthmaDevelopment From the Fertilised Egg; Sexual and Later DevelopmentLongevity, Ageing, Birth and Death Rates, Immigration, Population StructureAbnormalities of Sex Chromosomes and Autosomes, Down Syndrome, Barr BodiesOpinions on the Characteristics of the Chinese, Japanese and English Readership: Students of medicine, biology, psychology and sociology, professionals working as diversity officers or in equalities, general readership. Key Features:This book is the only one on human diversity and its effects on peopleThe book contains several personal accounts, specifically written for it, by people who are different in some way. They give details of their difference and how it has affected them and those around them, e.g., having cystic fibrosis, suffering from suicidal depression, having a heart attack requiring a quadruple by-pass, having type 1 diabetes while being pregnant, or being ''severely dyslexic''Controversial subjects such as race, class and culture are tackled head-on with no-nonsense scientific rigourThe author is a very experienced and highly qualified scientist with medical interests who has researched this topic for 25 years. Many of his original findings on human diversity are published in this book for the first time. As a geneticist, he is able to write authoritatively on which human differences are genetic, which are environmental, and how genetics and environment interact for many characteristicsKeywords:Human;Diversity;Genetics;Environment;Health;Disease;Languages;Choice;Race;Culture “Really enjoyed reading your chapter which brings alive the brain! As I said, very gripping!” Dr Annabelle Dudley Consultant Psychiatrist Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust '

Author : Matt Ridley
Publisher : HarperCollins
ISBN 13 : 9780002006637
Total Pages : 326 pages
Book Rating : 4.34/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Nature Via Nurture written by Matt Ridley and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2003 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Following his highly praised and bestselling book "Genome: The Autobiography of a Species" in 23 Chapters, Matt Ridley has written a brilliant and profound book about the roots of human behavior. "Nature via Nurture" explores the complex and endlessly intriguing question of what makes us who we are. In February 2001 it was announced that the human genome contains not 100,000 genes, as originally postulated, but only 30,000. This startling revision led some scientists to conclude that there are simply not enough human genes to account for all the different ways people behave: we must be made by nurture, not nature. Yet again biology was to be stretched on the Procrustean bed of the nature-nurture debate. Matt Ridley argues that the emerging truth is far more interesting than this myth. Nurture depends on genes, too, and genes need nurture. Genes not only predetermine the broad structure of the brain, they also absorb formative experiences, react to social cues, and even run memory. They are consequences as well as causes of the will. Published fifty years after the discovery of the double helix of DNA, "Nature via Nurture "chronicles a revolution in our understanding of genes. Ridley recounts the hundred years' war between the partisans of nature and nurture to explain how this paradoxical creature, the human being, can be simultaneously free-willed and motivated by instinct and culture. "Nature via Nurture" is an enthralling, up-to-the-minute account of how genes build brains to absorb experience.