To understand why we humans are as we are, it is necessary to look at the essential building blocks that comprise our nature. The foundations of this structure are our evolutionary origins as primates and our social roots. Upon these rest features such as our emotions, language and aesthetic preferences, with our self-perceptions, self-deceptions and thirst for knowledge right at the top.
The unifying force holding these blocks together is evolutionary theory. Evolution provides a deeper understanding of human nature and, in particular, of the common roots of these different perspectives.
To build a reliable and coherent model of man, leading authors from fields as diverse as primatology, anthropology, neurobiology and philosophy have joined forces to present essays each describing their own expert perspective. Together they provide a convincing and complete picture of our own human nature.
THE FRONTIERS COLLECTION THE FRONTIERS COLLECTION Series Editors: A.C. Elitzur L. Mersini-Houghton M.A. Schlosshauer M.P. Silverman J.A. Tuszynski R. Vaas H.D. Zeh The books in this collection are devoted to challenging and open problems at the forefront of modern science, including related philosophical debates. In contrast to typical research monographs, however, they strive to present their topics in a manner accessible also to scientifically literate non-specialists wishing to gain insight into the deeper implications and fascinating questions involved. Taken as a whole, the series reflects the need for a fundamental and interdisciplinary approach to modern science. Furthermore, it is intended to encourage active scientists in all areas to ponder over important and perhaps controversial issues beyond their own speciality. Extending from quantum physics and relativity to entropy, consciousness and complex systems – the Frontiers Collection will inspire readers to push back the frontiers of their own knowledge. Other Recent Titles The Biological Evolution of Religious Mind and Behavior By E. Voland , W. Schiefenhövel Entanglement, Information, and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics By G. Jaeger Homo Novus - A Human Without Illusions By U.J. Frey, C. Störmer, K.P. Willführ The Physical Basis of the Direction of Time By H.D. Zeh Mindful Universe Quantum Mechanics and the Participating Observer By H. Stapp Decoherence and the Quantum-To-Classical Transition By M.A. Schlosshauer The Nonlinear Universe Chaos, Emergence, Life By A. Scott Symmetry Rules How Science and Nature Are Founded on Symmetry By J. Rosen Quantum Superposition Counterintuitive Consequences of Coherence, Entanglement, and Interference By M.P. Silverman For all volumes see back matter of the book Ulrich J. Frey · Charlotte Störmer · Kai P. Willführ Editors ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCKS OF HUMAN NATURE 123 Editors Ulrich J. Frey University of Giessen Center for Philosophy and Foundations of S cience Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10 35394 Giessen Germany
[email protected] Charlotte Störmer University of Giessen Center for Philosophy and Foundations of S cience Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10 35394 Giessen Germany
[email protected] uni-giessen.de Kai P. Willführ University of Giessen Center for Philosophy and Foundations of S cience Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10 35394 Giessen Germany
[email protected] uni-giessen.de Series Editors: Avshalom C. Elitzur Bar-Ilan