How
did the mind evolve? How does the human mind
differ from the minds of our ancestors, and
from the minds of our nearest relatives, the
apes? If our minds are built by selfish genes,
why are we so cooperative? Can the differences
between male and female psychology be explained
in evolutionary terms? These questions are
at the centre of a rapidly growing research
programme called evolutionary psychology.
Drawing
on the insights of evolutionary biology and
cognitive psychology, as well as data from
anthropology, primatology and archaeology,
evolutionary psychologists are beginning to
piece together the first truly scientific
account of human nature. Introducing Evolutionary
Psychology is the perfect introduction to
this exciting new field. Brilliantly and concisely
written by Dylan Evans, and superbly illustrated
by award-winning artist Oscar Zarate, it offers
a fascinating view of the history of the mind.
***
Dylan
Evans is Senior Lecturer in Intelligent Autonomous
Systems at the University of the West of England.
He is also the author of Placebo (HarperCollins,
2003) and Emotion (Oxford University Press,
2001).
Oscar
Zarate is one of the UK’s leading graphic
artists. He has illustrated numerous Introducing
titles including Freud, Quantum Theory and
Mind and Brain. His graphic novel A Small
Killing won the Will Eisner Prize.
