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Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
- Chris OConnor
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- Dexter
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
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.
- oblivion
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
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 ).
Gods and spirits are parasitic--Pascal Boyer
Religion is the only force in the world that lets a person have his prejudice or hatred and feel good about it --S C Hitchcock
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Religion is the only force in the world that lets a person have his prejudice or hatred and feel good about it --S C Hitchcock
Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it. --André Gide
Reading is a majority skill but a minority art. --Julian Barnes
- heledd
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
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?
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?
Life's a glitch and then you die - The Simpsons
- Dexter
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
I wasn't talking to you in particular, just reminding others to jump in.heledd wrote:Yes of course I do. But he needs evidence
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.
Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
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?
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?
- Dexter
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Re: Ch. 1 - Why do we need evolution?
Good question, I don't really know the answer. I don't find "God did it" to be a satisfying answer.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?