Evolution and Empathy: The Genetic Factor in the Rise of Humanism

by Milton E. Brener

Overview

This book applies new scientific research in the fields of biology and genetics to an empirical study of the Greco-Roman civilizations and the European Renaissance. These two periods were remarkable in part because of the dominance of empathy and humanism in the philosophical thought of each era. Both periods were preceded by the influx of many populations and genetic lines, a circumstance this book treats as not coincidental but probably causative.

The author cites the expression of new genetic combinations in these periods as evidence that genetic evolution can play a large part in the development of new philosophical concepts, as manifested in these two periods. The author explains that humanistic traits seem to rise and fall in lockstep throughout human history, directly or indirectly correlating with changing genetic underpinnings.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786436651
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	05/23/2008
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.54(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late Milton E. Brener was a retired attorney who had written books and numerous articles on such topics as art, opera and Judaica, He lived in New York.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     

PART I : PRELIMINARIES
1. The Modern Synthesis     
2. Toward a More Selfish Gene     
3. The Nature of Empathy     
4. Empathy and Affect     
5. Facial Expression and Affect     
6. Cerebral Asymmetry     

PART II : THE PRE-GREEKS
7. Genetics and the Pre-Greeks     
8. The Pre-Greeks and the Third Dimension     
9. The Right Brain and Perspective     
10. Facial Expression in Pre-Greek Art and Literature     
11. Facial Expression and the Right Brain     
12. Individuality and Human Sacrifice     
13. Novelty and Innovation     
14. The Pre-Greek View of the Natural World     
15. Genes, Guns, Germs and Steel     

PART III : THE PHYSIOLOGY
16. The Not So Modern Synthesis     
17. The Taboos and the Looming Confrontation     
18. Neurotransmitters and Temperament     
19. Internal Tone, Eye Color and Temperament     

PART IV : THE WAYS OF THE GODDESS
20. Greek Geography and Migrations     
21. Population Genetics and Sexual Selection     
22. Chinks in the Armor of the Modern Synthesis     
23. The Baldwin Effect and Genetic Assimilation     

PART V : HER TOOL KIT
24. Epigenesis     
25. Genetic Accommodation     
26. Genetic Facilitation     

PART VI : THE GRECO-ROMAN RISE AND FALL
27. Greek Politics and Art     
28. Greek Literature     
29. The Romans     
30. A Theater of Opportunity     
31. The Dark Ages     

PART VII : THE RENAISSANCE AND BEYOND
32. An Advance Renaissance     
33. The Renaissance Portrait     
34. Perspective and the New View of Nature     
35. Epilogue     

Chapter Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

a good read”—The Mankind Quarterly.

From the Publisher

a good read

The Mankind Quarterly