Death, Hope and Sex: Steps to an Evolutionary Ecology of Mind and Morality

By showing how and why human nature is what it is, evolutionary theory can help us see better what we need to do to improve the human condition. Following evolutionary theory to its logical conclusion, Death, Hope and Sex uses life history theory and attachment theory to construct a model of human nature in which critical features are understood in terms of the development of alternative reproductive strategies contingent on environmental risk and uncertainty. James Chisholm examines the implications of this model for perspectives on concerns associated with human reproduction, including teen pregnancy, and young male violence. He thus develops new approaches for thorny issues such as the nature-nurture and mind-body dichotomies. Bridging the gap between the social and biological sciences, this far-reaching volume will be a source of inspiration, debate and discussion for all those interested in the evolution of human nature and the potential for an evolutionary humanism.

Review: 'Chisholm, an expert on child development, an evolutionist, and a humanist, provides a much needed bridge between the disparate and often warring worlds of developmental psychology, cultural studies and evolutionary theory. This beautifully conceived, well-researched and very thoughtful book deserves a broad audience.' Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, author of The Woman that Never Evolved and Mother Nature