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Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

#107: April - May 2012 (Non-Fiction)
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Chris OConnor

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Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
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Dexter

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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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I recommend moving quickly through the introductory chapter(s) to get to the more interesting stuff, a lot of it is a defense of evolution and evolutionary psychology, and some basic concepts.
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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Dexter wrote:I recommend moving quickly through the introductory chapter(s) to get to the more interesting stuff, a lot of it is a defense of evolution and evolutionary psychology, and some basic concepts.

Very wise advice!There's a tendency to get stuck defending every discipline (and sub-discipline.....and sub-sub-discipline) dealing with evolution here. But much to my surprise, the reading is quite easy and pleasant. I understand it (and least so far :)).
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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Yes I agree it is interesting but the lack of references is very disconcerting. For example, Tinbergen's 'Four Why's' Why can't he annotate the source and the quote? Those interested can quickly look it up with the flick of the cursor (on Kindle) - those not can read the authors explanation. It's not even in the bibliography.
As far as I have read, he is giving rational arguments, but this lack of references makes me immediately distrustful. I have more to say on this in further chapters.
I think he is correct in saying that cultural processes can also have very important evolutionary affects, and may not involve genes at all.
By the way, I was surprised at his claim that birds are considered to have large brains. I don't know whether this is true at all, but I thought by their body size and brain ratio they would have small brains?
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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Don't forget to pick up the book and start reading!

Don't you want to learn why the mind evolved the way it did?
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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Yes of course I do. But he needs evidence
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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heledd wrote:Yes of course I do. But he needs evidence
I wasn't talking to you in particular, just reminding others to jump in.

It does have a pretty good bibliography at least. It probably would be good to at least have endnotes for the text, but you can't fault a popular-level book too much for that.
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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This is a lot easier to read and understand than I thought it would be. You're right, the first chapter is really dry and hard for me to hold onto. I ploughed thru it though and am ready to learn more.
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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Dexter wrote:Don't forget to pick up the book and start reading!

Don't you want to learn why the mind evolved the way it did?

How did the mind develop its ability to invent the "unreasonable effectiveness" of mathematics?
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?

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ant wrote:
Dexter wrote:Don't forget to pick up the book and start reading!

Don't you want to learn why the mind evolved the way it did?

How did the mind develop its ability to invent the "unreasonable effectiveness" of mathematics?
Good question, I don't really know the answer. I don't find "God did it" to be a satisfying answer.
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