Psychology and Evolution

"Bridgeman's Psychology and Evolution is a superb textbook in evolutionary psychologyI see it as a landmark in the emergence of evolutionary psychology as no longer a controversial minority current but as a central aspect of the mainstream. The book reflects the state of the art in current work in evolutionary psychologythe reader is brought up-to-date about evolutionary theory, modern genetics, human prehistory, and relevant issues in modern linguistics."

--M. Brewster Smith, Emeritus, University of California, Santa Cruz and Past President, American Psychological Association

"This is an important book. Readers partial to evolutionary psychology, as well as those who remain skeptical, will benefit from a careful reading of this reader-friendly bookThe author endorses the core assumptions of evolutionary psychologybut, refreshingly, he includes, often with a new slant, relevant material usually overlooked by both believers and skeptics."

-- Andrew Neher, Emeritus, Cabrillo College

In recent years, evolutionary theory has been offering a framework that more and more psychologists are finding increasingly relevant to address one critical question: Why? Why do we behave, develop, and interact the way we do?

Psychology and Evolution: The Origins of Mind introduces students to the emerging field of evolutionary psychology. Bruce Bridgeman applies concepts of evolutionary theory to basic psychological functions to derive new insights into the roots of human behavior and how that behavior may be viewed as adaptation to life's significant challenges. Examining courtship, reproduction, child rearing, family relations, social interaction, and language development, Bridgeman uses evolutionary theory to help in the search to elucidate the foundations of human perceptions, experiences, and behaviors.

introduces students to the emerging field of evolutionary psychology. Bruce Bridgeman applies concepts of evolutionary theory to basic psychological functions to derive new insights into the roots of human behavior and how that behavior may be viewed as adaptation to life's significant challenges. Examining courtship, reproduction, child rearing, family relations, social interaction, and language development, Bridgeman uses evolutionary theory to help in the search to elucidate the foundations of human perceptions, experiences, and behaviors.

Encouraging thought and discussion, this engaging volume includes:

• Opposing approaches and controversial topics
• Greater breadth of coverage on the field of evolutionary psychology
• Innovative applications of evolutionary theory to areas that have not previously been analyzed in this context
• End-of-chapter discussion questions with annotated suggestions for further reading
• Key terms and concepts highlighted within the text and defined both in context and in a glossary