Darwinian happiness : evolution as a guide for living and understanding human behavior /

A provocative mixture of scientific findings and imaginative speculation, this easy-to-read and enjoyable book offers the curious reader numerous references to an extended sample of scientific literature on topics ranging from animal intelligence to the neural basis of emotion in humans. The author interprets and integrates data from many of the biological sciences to present an engaging view of the human condition. Speculation is occasionally excessive: for example, in presenting his case for understanding the biological heritage of humans, Grinde (researcher, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo) goes well beyond the data in suggesting that genes have bestowed free will on humans. This and other attempts to avoid complaints of "biological determinism" detract from the scientific picture the author claims to present. Those committed to scientific overstatement may be more comfortable with speculation that salvages human pride by moving free will from the pineal gland to the genes. The index and endnotes are excellent; the structure of the book's contents makes for easy understanding; the pictures are interesting. ^BSumming Up: Optional. Large collections serving general readers; comprehensive academic collections. S. S. Glenn University of North Texas