The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation

Ridley, Matt

ISBN 10: 0140264450 / ISBN 13: 9780140264456

Verlag: Penguin Publishing Group, 1998

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers G0140264450I4N00

Inhaltsangabe:

If, as Darwin suggests, evolution relentlessly encourages the survival of the fittest, why are humans compelled to live in cooperative, complex societies? In this fascinating examination of the roots of human trust and virtue, a zoologist and former American editor of the Economist reveals the results of recent studies that suggest that self-interest and mutual aid are not at all incompatible. In fact, he points out, our cooperative instincts may have evolved as part of mankind's natural selfish behavior—by exchanging favors we can benefit ourselves as well as others.Brilliantly orchestrating the newest findings of geneticists, psychologists, and anthropologists, The Origins of Virtue re-examines the everyday assumptions upon which we base our actions towards others, whether in our roles as parents, siblings, or trade partners. With the wit and brilliance of The Red Queen, his acclaimed study of human and animal sexuality, Matt Ridley shows us how breakthroughs in computer programming, microbiology, and economics have given us a new perspective on how and why we relate to each other.

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor: Matt Ridley has worked as a science editor, Washington correspondent, and American editor for the Economist. A research fellow of the Institute for Economic Affairs and a Trustee of the International Centre for Life, he lives in Northumberland, England.

Bibliografische Details

Titel: The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and ...
Verlag: Penguin Publishing Group
Erscheinungsdatum: 1998
Einband: Paperback
Zustand: Very Good
Zustand des Schutzumschlags: No Jacket