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ESSENTIAL READING!!!!!!!!!.......2007-10-03

Although virtually unrecognized Paul D. Maclean is one of the most important minds of all human history. This work details the evolution of the brain with an essential focus on "epistemic" perspective of understanding cerebral function. His insight into the importance of "play" in the evolution of the neocortex if ever understood by mainstream science will revolutionize every aspect of human culture.

Many good facts and perhaps one crucial mistake.......2007-02-14

It's amazed me how many times I have seen references to the "reptilian brain" within us by New Age thinkers and for-profit psychologists. The best of these referred back to MacLean as their source. Interestingly MacLean, as the respected neuroscientist that he is, gets things right that the pseudoscientists get wrong.

When Carl Sagan wrote Dragons of Eden in the eighties, he referred to the limbic system as reptilian. There were enough sources then on comparative neuroanatomy to be sure he was wrong. From the hippocampus on up the limbic system is purely mammalian, supporting the social life of a type of animal with heavy interpersonal needs, from mother and children to sometimes more than that. I was glad to see MacLean document this in greater detail than I could from sources in the eighties. MacLean sees the brain as three connected "analyzers", neomammalian neocortex, paleomammalian limbic system, and his "R-complex", which he mostly discusses as striatum, but includes the brainstem as well. As the reviewer from ten years ago pointed out this has not caught on with neuroscientists, who in my experience continue to call the brainstem "the brainstem". To call it reptilian is like calling our arms and legs reptilian. Mammals and reptiles are different everywhere, as MacLean points out. In labeling part of our brain "reptilian" MacLean is referring to the origin of the gross structure, but is also being metaphorical. We do not have an entire reptilian brain within us as some inner beast.

In the almost 600 pages of fine print text where he discusses this in terms of neuroanatomy and instinctive behavior, MacLean provides a treasury of information on reptiles, birds, and mammals. Anyone wishing data about how birds are more like reptiles than they are like mammals or how birds do as well as they do without our cerebral cortex would find much useful here. When MacLean gets to human behavior, comparing that to animal behavior, he covers many interesting topics. Human territoriality is one. Anyone interested in human behavior would be interested in such comparisons.

While MacLean is pointing to the idea of our being held hostage by our lower nature throughout the book, he only addresses this directly in his last chapter, where he wonders if, "... the R-complex `has a mind of its own'," and similarly for the limbic system. His reason for this, however, is simply the dependence of various behaviors on those areas being intact. He notes that this idea breaks from traditional neuroscience which sees "the reptilian brain" as controlled by the neocortex just as the spinal cord is.

There is truth in the points he makes regarding this, such as on p.578: "Moreover (and this cannot be overemphasized), the phenomenology of psychomotor epilepsy suggests that without a co-functioning limbic system, the neocortex lacks not only the requisite neural substrate for a sense of self, of reality, and the memory of ongoing experience, but also a feeling of conviction as to what is true or false." Yet if true, this is only true if one's limbic system is nonfunctioning, something that never happens in the absence of serious disease. MacLean goes on to be negative about how our convictions as to what is true or false are dependent on the nonverbal limbic system, "primitive, illiterate mind" that it is, but this is the same mistake. When the limbic system is connected to the neocortex, it becomes verbal. We don't have 3 separate analyzers. We have one very connected brain. Having a large enough stroke in any of these analyzers leaves us very bad off. We need everything we are.

People hear about brain areas in conflict, and they naturally attach it to what must be an age-old observation of conflict within our consciousness, between feelings and thoughts, or otherwise. Yet such conflicts in my experience are between parts of me that both can talk. I might feel that one side of the conflict is more me than the other, but often that changes over time. I'm guessing, but my guess is these conflicts are played out over my entire brain, not one part vs. another. There is nothing in this book that is evidence against that.

For anyone interested in either the science or the speculation here, this is a valuable book, but the overall message is not something that should be taken at face value.

Awwwwwwsome........2006-08-08

This is an awesome book. Worth the $.

Paul D. MacLean, is my favorite neuroscientist. A man ahead of his time. His work is timeless, it is the seeds to the future understanding of the brain and the mind.

Paul D. MacLean's work must be read by anyone who wants to enter the medical field.

Read it, and stimulate your Neo-Cortex.

:)

The Triune Brain...A Provocative Theory Goes Unchallenged.......1997-08-13

Paul D. MacLean has distinguished himself as a foremost figure in neuroscience. His early contributions to the understanding of the brain lie most notably in the area that he has named the limbic system. For the past thirty years, he has dedicated his research efforts at the NIMH Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behavior, which he heads, to the promotion of his theory of the triune nature of the modern mammalian brain. His latest work, _The Triune Brain in Evolution: Role in Paleocerebral Functions_, is the paramount testament to that effort. The book is an impressive volume incorporating research from evolutionary biology, neuroscience, physiology, animal behavior, ethology, etc., into an insightful framework from which he draws many interesting, provocative conclusions, implications, and suppositions.

Book Description

Most contemporary analyses of sexism focus on economic, social, and political inequalities and suggest appropriate remedies. In contrast, Gotz argues that sexism arises, at least in part, out of a subconscious male envy of women's capacity to receive. He refers to this as womb envy. The obvious ground of this envy is the realization by the growing boy that women have something he lacks. Gotz documents this subconscious envy as reference to a variety of mythological motifs, fairy tales, and religious beliefs, including theological constructs. His study is cross-cultural, though special emphasis is placed on Western traditions. The importance of mythology, especially, is the fact that it bears witness to people's real beliefs, and that it does so for a considerably long period of time. Thus myths become a good proof of the hypothesis of womb envy. Gotz also explores briefly some psychological mechanisms operative in the formation of womb envy, and he examines schooling as one institution that has perpetuated the womb envy that is so much a part of sexism. A provocative analysis, this will be of interest to the general public as well as scholars and researchers involved with Women's and Religious Studies, education, psychology, and philosophy.

The Role of Behavior in Evolution (Bradford Books)

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The Role of Behavior in Evolution (Bradford Books)

Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

These six original essays focus on a potentially important aspect of evolutionary biology, the possible causal role of phenotypic behavior in evolution. Balancing theory with actual or potential empiricism, they provide the first full examination of this topic.

Plotkin's opening chapter outlines the "conceptual minefields" that the contributors attempt to negotiate: What is an adequate theory of evolution? What is behavior and is it possible to maintain a distinction between behavior and other attributes of the phenotype? is all, or only a special subset, of behavior both a cause and a consequence of evolution? And what do the theoretical issues mean in empirical terms? He concludes that any attempt to understand the causal role of behavior in evolution requires a more complicated theoretical structure than that of orthodox neoDarwinism, a conceptualization of behavior as a distinctive set of phenotypic attributes, and the accumulation of more data.

David L. Hull (Northwestern University) provides an alternative account of the evolutionary process by developing a hierarchy of replicators-interactors-lineages to replace the traditional one of genes-organisms-species. Robert N. Brandon (Duke University) also posits hierarchy as an appropriate architecture for the theoretical complexity needed to support an examination of the role of behavior in evolution. F. J. Odling-Smee (Brunei University) outlines a theoretical structure to encompass the behavior of phenotypes, concentrating on the unrestricted definition of behavior (everything that an animal does).

The remaining chapters are as much concerned with evidence as with theory. Plotkin concentrates on a restricted definition of behavior (behavior that is a product of choosing intelligence), reviewing our empirical knowledge of how learning might influence evolution. R.I.M. Dunbar (University College, London) uses empirical studies of vertebrate social behavior to deal with the question of how the social systems, especially of primates, might have a causal role in species evolution.

Henry C. Plotkin is Lecturer at the University College, London. A Bradford Book.

Why Sex Matters: A Darwinian Look at Human Behavior.

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A book with to many numbers and figures
Brilliant, if dense, review of human behavior
Falls Short
Great but not an easy read
New book with some new stuff!

Why Sex Matters: A Darwinian Look at Human Behavior.
Bobbi S. Low
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0691028958

Book Description

Why are men, like other primate males, usually the aggressors and risk takers? Why do women typically have fewer sexual partners? Why is killing infants routine in some cultures, but forbidden in others? Why is incest everywhere taboo? Bobbi Low ranges from ancient Rome to modern America, from the Amazon to the Arctic, and from single-celled organisms to international politics to show that these and many other questions about human behavior largely come down to evolution and sex. More precisely, as she shows in this uniquely comprehensive and accessible survey of behavioral and evolutionary ecology, they come down to the basic principle that all organisms evolved to maximize their reproductive success and seek resources to do so.

Low begins by reviewing the fundamental arguments and assumptions of behavioral ecology: selfish genes, conflicts of interest, and the tendency for sexes to reproduce through different behaviors. She explains why in primate species--from chimpanzees and apes to humans--males seek to spread their genes by devoting extraordinary efforts to finding mates, while females find it profitable to expend more effort on parenting. Low illustrates these sexual differences among humans by showing that in places as diverse as the parishes of nineteenth-century Sweden, the villages of seventeenth-century China, and the forests of twentieth-century Brazil, men have tended to seek power and resources, from cattle to money, to attract mates, while women have sought a secure environment for raising children. She makes it clear, however, they have not done so simply through individual efforts or in a vacuum, but that men and women act in complex ways that involve cooperation and coalition building and that are shaped by culture, technology, tradition, and the availability of resources. Low also considers how the evolutionary drive to acquire resources leads to environmental degradation and warfare and asks whether our behavior could be channeled in more constructive ways.

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Customer Reviews:

A book with to many numbers and figures.......2006-08-06

I bought this book to learn some interisting new facts that I have not heard about before. Well this book didn't do that. Most of the stuff in this book I have read in other places and it was written better. Like The "Red Queen" by Matt Ridley & "Why is Sex Fun" by Jarod Diamond.
This book relies to heavely on statistical data to come up with anything very interisting. I found myself skipping complete pages and chapters because of the boredom for having to read to many statistics.
If you are looking to use this book as a resource to quote statistics about sex then you are in good shape, this book will give you plenty of that. Other wise i recomend that you stir clear of this book.

Brilliant, if dense, review of human behavior.......2003-07-21

Basically, I'm of much the same opinion as most of the other reviewers. It's a thoroughly fascinating book, which actually looks at human behavior as it should be seen: the ecology and interactions of highly inteligent, highly communicate, mostly bald apes. Well worth the read. That said, I must say that without at least some background knowledge in evolutionary biology, you'll find it tough to digest. But such is the way of scientific works, and, frankly, I prefer it as is, rather than loaded down with explanations of things I already know from my classes.

Definitely a book worth not only read, but keeping around as a reference.

Falls Short.......2002-09-22

This topic is extremely complex and professor Low , in my opinion, falls short of further elucidating this field. It's breadth is impressive and stimulated me to pick up the book, however, it doesn't seem to be researched comprehensively. There were several significant omissions. For example, the "group selection muddle" is only a problem for biologists who fail to understand group selection. I admit, alot of prominent biologists don't get it, however, any valid review of the topic should reference David Wilson and Elliot Sober. Also, Low should add that Charles Darwin accepted group selection as an evolutionary mechanism. Another example involves the gender and war section. Again, Low knows more about this subject than most biologists, however, the field of military psychology encompasses more than Clauswitz and Keegan.
On the positive side, I believe professor Low handles the nature-nurture question well. Several sections were informative. Unless one is an expert in this area, they will certainly learn a few new things.

Great but not an easy read.......2002-04-13

Although a talented scientist, Bobbi Low is not a talented writer. This is a great book for those with some foreknowledge of the subjects of sex and evolutionary psychology, but it might be a little obtuse for the casual reader. Her writing style is somewhat stilted and dry, and she quite often assumes the reader is familiar with prior studies and concepts that are germaine to her point, without explaining those concepts, or at best doing so very obliquely. There is a wealth of information here, though, for those willing to decipher what she's saying.

New book with some new stuff!.......2001-02-21

The title of this book is a little misleading, because it is an excellent book on evolution in general. That is, it is much broader than the title implies, is very well written, and brings some new perspectives to the subject of human behavior and evolution. It is one of the better books that covers the subject as completely as possible and I would recommend it as an introduction to the subject for the novice or for additional reading for those already versed in the subject.

Therefore, rather than giving and overview of the book, I will comment on just a few points Low makes that I found especially interesting. He advances the recent research that has been done on group evolutionary strategies. That is, we have evolved our higher intellect not for dealing with a harsh environment but for the sake of competing with each other. Humans, forming cohesive groups thousands of years ago, cooperated together to compete against other groups. That included genocide, warfare, etc. The smarter and more cohesive the group, the more likely it would win out over the less cohesive or less intelligent group.

He also sheds light on our irrationality or our illogical behavior. As a species that evolved in social groups, we are far too responsive to the rare events that we feel threatened by. This means we are quick to pass laws or try to remedy problems that are essentially quite rare but become sensationalized in the press. We as a species are also quick to blame others for their bad behavior based on their flawed character, while our own failures are attributed to circumstances. We have an incredible ability to rationalize our own shortcomings. In addition, we are easily led by people with status, and are easily duped by their explanations of social situations. That is, we believe too readily what we are told by leaders.

His covering of war and deception is also rich in explanations and insight. With regards to a one world government he states, "In a major work on the kin selection roots of warfare, after eloquent analysis, the authors are reduced to calling for 'some form of world government, some management force that might stabilize the most immediate threat to humanity --- nuclear destruction.' The entire work, however, is an acknowledgment that the power of in-group amity and out-group enmity would likely force any such world government to be a conquest state, a chilling prospect."

It is refreshing to read an evolutionist that both understands our genocidal nature as part of our journey into modernity, but does not fall for the egalitarian solutions that so many of these authors try to put forth to save us. Low understands how such simple solutions will bring us once again into the folds of the totalitarian state.

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The evolutionary role of toughness in bargaining [An article from: Games and Economic Behavior]
A. Heifetz , and E. Segev
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B000RQZH82

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Games and Economic Behavior, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
The experimental evidence on the ''endowment effect'' [Kahneman et al., J. Polit. Economy 98 (1990) 1325-1348] and the ''self serving bias'' in negotiations [Babcok and Loewenstein, J. Econ. Perspect. 11 (1997) 1337-1343] suggests that individuals enter a tough state of mind when they have to make a stand vis-a-vis somebody else. In this work we show how a toughness bias in bargaining may indeed be evolutionary viable. When the inherent toughness of the bargainer is observed by the opponent, this opponent will adjust his behavior accordingly, in a way which may enhance the actual payoff of the biased bargainer. Suppose, then, that a population consists initially of individuals with different inherent degrees of toughness or softness. They are often matched at random to bargain, and biases which are objectively more successful tend to appear more frequently in the society. We characterize a salient class of bargaining mechanisms under which the population will consist, asymptotically, of individuals with some moderate degree of toughness.

Permanence and Evolution of Behavior in Golden Age Spain

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Permanence and Evolution of Behavior in Golden Age Spain
Alain St. Saens
Manufacturer: Edwin Mellen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

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The evolution of behavior and the role of behavior in evolution (Breviora)

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The evolution of behavior and the role of behavior in evolution (Breviora)
M Moynihan
Manufacturer: Museum of Comparative Zoology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006XUXKI

History of Konrad Lorenz's ethological theory, 1927-1939: The role of meta-theory, theory, anomaly and new discoveries in a scientific "evolution" (Studies in history and philosophy of science)

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History of Konrad Lorenz's ethological theory, 1927-1939: The role of meta-theory, theory, anomaly and new discoveries in a scientific "evolution" (Studies in history and philosophy of science)
Theo J Kalikow
Manufacturer: Macmillan Journal]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The role of human social behavior in the evolution of the brain (James Arthur lecture on the evolution of the human brain)

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The role of human social behavior in the evolution of the brain (James Arthur lecture on the evolution of the human brain)
Ralph L Holloway
Manufacturer: American Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Physiology | Basic Science | Medicine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006CQCUY

Book Description

The debate about nuclear power and the risks involved continues to rage but of course all forms of power production have their own particular and sometimes considerable risks. Power Production: What Are the Risks? includes completely new chapters to take into account the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, the disaster at Piper Alpha, and the much debated problems of acid rain and the greenhouse effect. The book evaluates the risks involved in using coal and oil-fired generation of nuclear and hydro power. The author contends that in our modern industrial society the risks of power production are less than the consequences of having insufficient supplies of power. He uses technical data from many fields of research to estimate the risks to the public from both renewable and nonrenewable sources.

Customer Reviews:

Hard-going but good analysis.......1999-08-25

This book was not received particularly well in the academic press, but I would like to suggest its intellectual rigour and sense of adventure rather put them off. It is a work of great value and deserves reappraisal.

Canetti and Nietzsche: Theories of Humor in 'Die Blendung'.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Modern Language Review

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Canetti and Nietzsche: Theories of Humor in 'Die Blendung'.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Modern Language Review
Raymond S. Furness
Manufacturer: Modern Humanities Research Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Modern Language Review, published by Modern Humanities Research Association on July 1, 2000. The length of the article is 440 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Canetti and Nietzsche: Theories of Humor in 'Die Blendung'.(Review) (book review)
Author: Raymond S. Furness
Publication: The Modern Language Review (Refereed)
Date: July 1, 2000
Publisher: Modern Humanities Research Association
Volume: 95 Issue: 3 Page: 894(1)

Article Type: Book Review

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