Evolution and Empathy

The Genetic Factor in the Rise of Humanism

Milton E. Brener (Autor)

Buch | Softcover

268 Seiten

2008
McFarland & Co Inc (Verlag)
978-0-7864-3665-1 (ISBN)

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Applies scientific research in the fields of biology and genetics to an empirical study of the Greco-Roman civilizations and the European Renaissance. This book explains that humanistic traits seem to rise and fall in lockstep throughout human history, directly or indirectly correlating with changing genetic underpinnings.

This book applies new scientific research in the fields of biology and genetics to an empirical study of the Greco-Roman civilizations and the European Renaissance. These two periods were remarkable in part because of the dominance of empathy and humanism in the philosophical thought of each era. Both periods were preceded by the influx of many populations and genetic lines, a circumstance this book treats as not coincidental but probably causative.

The author cites the expression of new genetic combinations in these periods as evidence that genetic evolution can play a large part in the development of new philosophical concepts, as manifested in these two periods. The author explains that humanistic traits seem to rise and fall in lockstep throughout human history, directly or indirectly correlating with changing genetic underpinnings.

The late Milton E. Brener was a retired attorney who had written books and numerous articles on such topics as art, opera and Judaica, He lived in New York.

Table of Contents

Preface

PART I : PRELIMINARIES

1. The Modern Synthesis

2. Toward a More Selfish Gene

3. The Nature of Empathy

4. Empathy and Affect

5. Facial Expression and Affect

6. Cerebral Asymmetry

PART II : THE PRE-GREEKS

7. Genetics and the Pre-Greeks

8. The Pre-Greeks and the Third Dimension

9. The Right Brain and Perspective

10. Facial Expression in Pre-Greek Art and Literature

11. Facial Expression and the Right Brain

12. Individuality and Human Sacrifice

13. Novelty and Innovation

14. The Pre-Greek View of the Natural World

15. Genes, Guns, Germs and Steel

PART III : THE PHYSIOLOGY

16. The Not So Modern Synthesis

17. The Taboos and the Looming Confrontation

18. Neurotransmitters and Temperament

19. Internal Tone, Eye Color and Temperament

PART IV : THE WAYS OF THE GODDESS

20. Greek Geography and Migrations

21. Population Genetics and Sexual Selection

22. Chinks in the Armor of the Modern Synthesis

23. The Baldwin Effect and Genetic Assimilation

PART V : HER TOOL KIT

24. Epigenesis

25. Genetic Accommodation

26. Genetic Facilitation

PART VI : THE GRECO-ROMAN RISE AND FALL

27. Greek Politics and Art

28. Greek Literature

29. The Romans

30. A Theater of Opportunity

31. The Dark Ages

PART VII : THE RENAISSANCE AND BEYOND

32. An Advance Renaissance

33. The Renaissance Portrait

34. Perspective and the New View of Nature

35. Epilogue

Chapter Notes

Bibliography

Index

Erscheint lt. Verlag	30.7.2008
Zusatzinfo	notes, bibliography, index
Verlagsort	Jefferson, NC
Sprache	englisch
Maße	152 x 229 mm
Gewicht	363 g
Themenwelt	Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie ► Philosophie des Mittelalters
ISBN-10	0-7864-3665-4 / 0786436654
ISBN-13	978-0-7864-3665-1 / 9780786436651
Zustand	Neuware