The Moral Animal: Why We Are The Way We Are by Robert Wright Paperback Book

Description: The Moral Animal by Robert Wright A study of the new science of evolutionary psychology. FORMAT Paperback CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description THE MORAL ANIMAL examines the significance of this extraordinary shift in our perception of morality and what it means to be human. Taking the life of Charles Darwin as his context, Robert Wright brilliantly demonstrates how Darwins ideas have stood the test of time, drawing startling conclusions about the structure of some of our most basic preoccupations. Why do we commit adultery, express suicidal tendencies and have the capacity for self-deception? Wright not only provides the answers to such fundamental moral questions from the perspective of evolutionary psychology but challenges us to see ourselves anew through the clarifying lens of this fledgling and exciting science. Notes New edition of the fascinating new science questioning the biological bases for morality and amorality. Taking Darwin as his base, Wright examines the thinking behind basic instincts such as ambition, sex, politics and justice. Author Biography Robert Wright has written extensively for ATLANTIC MONTHLY, NEW YORKER and TIME magazine and currently works as a senior editor at THE NEW REPUBLIC. His latest book, NON-ZERO, is also published by Abacus. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and family. Review THE MORAL ANIMAL overturns old ways of thinking. - INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY This is not a book of breathless reportage from some frontier of science; it is an eye-opening, thought-provoking, spine-tingling, mind- boggling, wish-I-had-thought-of-that sort of science book. - TLS Kirkus US Review A provocative book by a senior editor of The New Republic, author of Three Scientists and Their Gods (1988), examining the vibrant new science of evolutionary psychology. Even though, according to this science, natural selection has molded human nature into a deterministic pattern of selfish behavior, says Wright, there is still hope for developing a common moral outlook as long as we accept the ramifications of our evolutionary legacy. Natural selection insures that individuals are subconsciously preoccupied with the propagation of their genes. Although the cold, underlying logic of natural selection doesnt care about our happiness, it fools us into thinking that by pursuing goals that make us happy, we will maximize our genetic legacy. Lost in this pursuit is any genuine concern about community welfare. This volume covers much of the same ground as William Allmans superb overview The Stone Age Present (p. 893). Wright extends Allmans arguments in much richer detail and a more authoritative tone, although he explains the science in a more roundabout manner. He weaves a complex and fascinating treatise in explaining the paradox of how society can engender moral and responsible actions when a strict Darwinian interpretation implies that human behavior is deterministic. Wright resolves this paradox by arguing that once people understand the Darwinian paradigm, they will understand their own subconscious motives, which is the first step towards addressing the bias toward self that natural selection instills in our minds. Many readers will feel uneasy reading Wrights dark and cynical portrayal of human nature, but he does a superb job of anticipating questions and objections. He points to a growing body of evidence that says this is the way we are whether we like it or not, and he argues were better off if we accept this fact. (Kirkus Reviews) Long Description THE MORAL ANIMAL examines the significance of this extraordinary shift in our perception of morality and what it means to be human.Taking the life of Charles Darwin as his context, Robert Wright brilliantly demonstrates how Darwins ideas have stood the test of time, drawing startling conclusions about the structure of some of our most basic preoccupations. Why do we commit adultery, express suicidal tendencies and have the capacity for self-deception Wright not only provides the answers to such fundamental moral questions from the perspective of evolutionary psychology but challenges us to see ourselves anew through the clarifying lens of this fledgling and exciting science. Review Quote This is not a book of breathless reportage from some frontier of science; it is an eye-opening, thought-provoking, spine-tingling, mind-boggling, wish-I-had-thought-of-that sort of science book. Promotional "Headline" * A lucid and provocative study of the ground-breaking new science of evolutionary psychology. Description for Sales People Has sold over 14,000 copies in B format Abacus Details ISBN0349107041 Author Robert Wright Publisher Little, Brown Book Group ISBN-10 0349107041 ISBN-13 9780349107042 Format Paperback Imprint Abacus Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom DEWEY 304.5 Birth 1957 Media Book Year 1996 Publication Date 1996-04-04 Edition New edition Pages 480 Subtitle Why We Are The Way We Are Audience General/Trade Series Abacus Science Greats UK Release Date 1996-04-04 Illustrations Section: 16, b&w AU Release Date 1996-05-21 NZ Release Date 1996-05-21 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:3653938;

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