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The Ape that Understood the Universe
How the Mind and Culture Evolve
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The Ape that Understood the Universe
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This is the story of the strangest animal in the world: the human animal. Looking at our species through the eyes of an alien scientist, the book is framed as an answer to the alien's questions about how our minds and culture evolved. Featuring a new foreword by Michael Shermer.
Uses evolutionary psychology and cultural evolutionary theory to explain the mysteries of the human mind to an alien scientist.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
The Ape that Understood the Universe offers a fascinating journey into the mind of humankind, exploring the intersection of biology and culture through the lens of an imagined extraterrestrial observer. As this hypothetical alien scientist scrutinises Earth's most peculiar species, humans, it raises intriguing questions about our inherent nature and behaviours. Why do we possess distinct gender roles? What drives our unique sexual behaviours? And where do our altruistic impulses arise from?
Delving into these mysteries, the book deftly combines insights from evolutionary psychology and cultural evolutionary theory to unravel the intricacies of human nature. It posits that while humans, like all animals, evolved primarily to propagate our genes, we also developed the extraordinary ability to cultivate and transmit culture. This dual evolution of biology and culture has propelled us from mere apes to beings possessing the power to alter our environment drastically, venture into outer space, and contemplate the vastness of the cosmos.
The text goes beyond a mere academic discourse, inviting readers to reflect on the complex tapestry of human evolution and the consequent shaping of societies. Stewart-Williams conveys how our genetic heritage and cultural advancements interweave, leading to the sophisticated world we inhabit today.
Featuring a new foreword by renowned science communicator Michael Shermer, The Ape that Understood the Universe is an enlightening exploration of what it means to be human. It challenges readers to contemplate the broader implications of our evolutionary journey and our place within the universe's grand tapestry. Engaging, thought-provoking, and accessible, the book serves as a mirror reflecting the profound nature of the human condition. Whether you are a student of science or simply curious about our place in the grand scheme of life, this book offers valuable insights into the evolutionary forces that have moulded the human psyche and society.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Ape that Understood the Universe by Steve Stewart-Williams is praised for its engaging exploration of evolutionary psychology and cultural evolution. Reviewers commend the author's ability to distil complex ideas with clarity, wit, and literary elegance. The book is noted for challenging existing notions of human nature, integrating insights from psychology, biology, and philosophy, and providing readers with both knowledge and enjoyment.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781108732758
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 21 November 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Edition: Revised edition
Illustration: Worked examples or Exercises
Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 228.0mm
Weight: 580g
Pages: 386
About the Author
Steve Stewart-Williams is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus. His research and writing revolve around the idea that theories from evolutionary biology can shed light on the human mind and behavior, focusing especially on sex differences and altruism. He also has a long-standing interest in the philosophical implications of evolutionary theory. His first book, Darwin, God and the Meaning of Life (Cambridge), was published in 2010.
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