Evolution and the Fate of Humankind

In recent years we have come to understand better the forces that have shaped biological evolution over the course of time, such as evolved purposiveness, cooperative effects, and bioeconomics. Now we are facing a mounting survival crisis that may determine the future of life on Earth. This Element highlights the need to make a major course change.

List of contents

Introduction; 1. 'Life ascending'; 2. Designers vs tinkerers in evolution; 3. Teleonomy in evolution; 4. Some ghosts in the machine; 5. Teleonomy and natural selection; 6. Lamarckian evolution; 7. Behavior and evolution; 8. Mind in evolution; 9. The 'synergism hypothesis' revisited; 10. Synergy and the bioeconomics of evolution; 11. The evolution of humankind; 12. 'Unite or die'; References.

Summary

In recent years we have come to understand better the forces that have shaped biological evolution over the course of time. Evolved purposiveness (teleonomy) in living systems themselves has been an important influence. Cooperative effects (synergies) of various kinds have also been influential. And the bioeconomics (functional costs and benefits) have been important constraints. Now we are facing a mounting survival crisis that may determine the future of life on Earth. We need to make a major course change, utilizing our insights into these important influences. Here is a review, and a 'prescription.'

Foreword

'Unite or Die,' a recipe for our climate crisis/endangered species.

Product details

• Authors: Peter A. Corning, Peter A. (Institute for the Study of Comp Corning
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 28.02.2025
• EAN: 9781009613811
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0961381-1
• No. of pages: 64
• Series: Elements in Applied Evolutionary Science
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Psychology > Theoretical psychology; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > Clinical medicine; Climate Change, Evolution, PSYCHOLOGY / Applied Psychology, Cognition & cognitive psychology, Ecological science, the Biosphere, Cognition and cognitive psychology