Characterizing Human Psychological Adaptations

This book contains chapters by some of the leading figures in the field of evolutionary psychology. The latest data are presented on evolutionary theories in perception, information, various aspects of social behaviour, language, learning and aggression. A common theme running through the printed discussions in this book is the important problem of how we can develop and test rigorous characterizations of evolved mental adaptations.

Autorentext
The Novartis Foundation is an international scientific and educational charity which promotes the study and general knowledge of science and in particular encourages international co-operation in scientific research.

Klappentext
Evolutionary psychology is a new and rapidly expanding area of study. All psychology is in a sense ?evolutionary psychology? since, if we disregard Creationism, the only forces which could have shaped the human mind are evolutionary forces. However, psychologists have traditionally regarded this fact as irrelevant to the practical problems of formulating and testing psychological theories. This book contains chapters by some of the leading figures in this new field. The latest data are presented on evolutionary theories in perception, information, various aspects of social behaviour, language, learning and aggression. A common theme running through the printed discussions in this book is the important problem of how we can develop and test rigorous characterizations of evolved mental adaptations.

Inhalt
Partial table of contents: The Concept of an Evolved Adaptation (R. Thornhill).

Evolutionary Conflicts and Adapted Psychologies (A. Møller).

Mate Choice: From Sexual Cues to Cognitive Adaptations (G. Miller).

Tinkering with Minds from the Past (M. Hauser).

Language as a Psychological Adaptation (S. Pinker).

Cross-Species Comparisons (D. Sherry).

Evolution and Human Choice Over Time (A. Rogers).

Relationship-Specific Social Psychological Adaptations (M. Wilson & M. Daly).

Bird Song Learning as an Adaptive Strategy (M. Beecher, et al.).

Final General Discussion.

Indexes.