| View Larger Image | Evolution and Empathy: The Genetic Factor in the Rise of Humanism | Paperbackby Milton E. Brener (Author)
| List Price: | $39.95 | | | Available: | Usually ships in 24 hours |
| | Binding: | Paperback | | Publisher: | McFarland | | Page Count: | 268 Pages | | Publication Date: | May 09, 2008 | | Sales Rank: | 2,064,746nd |
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Product Description
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. |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 1 review)
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A well-researched hymn to evolution, art, and humanity. by M. Cusimano  5 Stars
June 20, 2008
Brener explores the consciousness responsible for the beauty in art, heightening human empathy, and its relation to increasing genetic complexity. His novel approach is in finding the link between the greatest revolutions in art - through empathy - and the convergence of human populations.
Brener reveals his wide educational background through his rigorous research and analytical precision in subjects as diverse as epigenesis and art history. He makes a remarkably convincing case for the existence of empathy as the time-tested, and growing heart at the center of mankind's existence. Needless to say, the implications are profound given our increasingly globalized world.
While I do not agree with all of his conclusions, especially his philosophical/ontological ones (for example, that empathy isn't directed because the "goddess" doesn't care), I do believe that this book is a valuable assessment of some of the basic progressive elements in current evolutionary science.
This book is also no doubt a challenge to certain Dawkins/selfish gene proponents who believe that selfishness is at the core of our behavior. Brener advances a SELFLESS gene(s) - by presenting cases of what may be considered altruistic human behavior.
Brener is one of many modern individuals wakening to the new global paradigm, and he's doing it in his own unique way. I hope this book will impact scientific scholars, artists and laymen alike.
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