Human nature and public policy : an evolutionary approach / edited by Albert Somit and Steven A. Peterson.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Somit, Albert.

Peterson, Steven A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Policy sciences.

Human behavior.

Physical Description:

ix, 266 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.

Summary:

The long-dominant model for the social sciences has maintained that human behavior is solely the product of culture and learning. However, arguments on behalf of a human nature that is more biologically determined than previously thought gain more ground each day. Human Evolution and Public Policy explores the impact that the growing challenge from "evolutionary" concepts of human nature has in various policy areas. As our conceptualizations of human behavior switch from one that says human behavior is a product of culture -- through learning and socialization -- to one that claims that behavior is the outcome of both culture and genetics and biology, it is necessary for public policy to change as well. The contributors in this book show what must be done to ensure that policies conform to human behavior and its limits for change. Many argue that to ignore "nature" on behalf of "nurture" will result in incomplete solutions to social, political, and economic problems.

Contents:

Part 1 The Evolutionary Approach and the Standard Social Science Model (SSSM) Understanding of Human Nature and Human Behavior: Policy Relevance

Chapter 1 From Human Nature to Public Policy: Evolutionary Theory Challenges the "Standard Model" / Albert Somit, Steven A. Peterson 3

Chapter 2 From Theory to Practice: Caveat Emptor / Lionel Tiger 19

Part 2 Implications for Domestic Policy

Chapter 3 Prostitution

An Evolutionary Perspective / Michael McGuire, Margaret Gruter 29

Chapter 4 Relating to the Environment: Legacy and Learning / Lynton Keith Caldwell 41

Chapter 5 Neuroscience, Free Will, and Individual Responsibility: Implications for Addictive Behavior / Robert H. Blank 55

Chapter 6 The Cultural Evolution of Dying: Euthanasia in the Netherlands / Vincent S. E. Falger, Eugene L. F. Falger 77

Chapter 7 Biosocial Theorizing and Criminal Justice Policy / Lee Ellis 97

Chapter 8 Evolution and Political Marketing / Gad Saad 121

Chapter 9 Explore and Exploit: An Evolutionary Analysis of Institutional Dynamics / Arthur T. Denzau, Paul J. Zak 139

Chapter 10 MacLean's Evolutionary Neuroscience and the Conflict Systems Neurobehavioral Model: Some Clinical and Social Policy Implications / Gerald A. Cory, Jr. 161

Chapter 11 Altruism and Good Samaritan Law / John Strate 181

Part 3 Implications for International Policy

Chapter 12 An Ecological Approach to Agricultural Biotechnology Policy / Hiram Caton 205

Chapter 13 Ethnic Conflict and State Building / Bradley A. Thayer 225

Chapter 14 Genetic and Cultural Evolution: Implications for International Security Policies / J. David Singer 243.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1403961166

1403962855

OCLC:

51022820