Abstract

Our experience of the world is driven by processes common to all animals: growth, survival, reproduction and death. Evolution and Human Behaviour explores the complexities of the human experience through the lens of Darwinism, drawing on a long and vibrant tradition of different theories and interpretations. This textbook offers a compelling synthesis of key concepts, addressing human thought, feeling and behaviour in fundamental evolutionary terms.
The third edition of Evolution and Human Behaviour:
• Has been revised, updated and expanded throughout, with new chapters on health and disease, homosexuality, the nature of adaptations and life history theory
• Includes brand-new material on epigenetics, patterns of crime, error management theory, moral foundations theory, religion and gene culture co-evolution
• Is accompanied by a companion website offering additional reading material and useful practice questions
Written for students of psychology, human biology, ethology, anthropology and human behavioural ecology, this is an essential introduction for anyone who wishes to understand how human behaviour has evolved.
“Cartwright’s book is worth a careful look if you are seeking a general and current overview of evolutionary theory applied to human behavior, or if you are trying to identify a resource on the evolution of human behavior for teaching purposes. … The book is of value to a non-evolutionary scholar or student seeking a manageable overview of evolutionary approaches to human behavior. … I have not found a better volume than Cartwright’s book for teaching purposes … .” (Peter B. Gray, Human Nature, Vol. 28, 2017)

Evolution and Human Behaviour takes a satisfyingly broad view of the subject, going beyond the core topics covered in other textbooks. Particularly nice to see are chapters on the evolution of the hominin lineage, developmental plasticity and Darwinian medicine. Cartwright writes clearly and accessibly, but the level of discussion remains high. This book is recommended for students and instructors of evolution and human behaviour, as well as making a handy reference guide for more experienced scholars.' – Dr Ian Stephen, Macquarie University, Australia

'This new edition provides a thorough overview of central topics in evolutionary psychology. The book contains a wealth of new research findings that will help students to understand complex issues. Readers will appreciate the author's accessible writing style.' – Professor Hans van de Braak, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands

'There is no clearer or more accessible introduction to Evolutionary Psychology than Cartwright's Evolution and Human Behaviour.' – Dr Andrew Dunn, Nottingham Trent University, UK

'This is a timely update to John Cartwright's delightful, comprehensive introductory text to evolutionary psychology. It is written with clarity and conciseness, and has snippets of cutting-edge research to illustrate the theoretical points. I was especially happy to see the inclusion of a chapter on Life History Theory, as well as the many learning features (e.g., glossary, chapter summaries, companion website). The latest edition of this book will definitely feature in the reading list for my undergraduate students' – Dr Minna Lyons, University of Liverpool, UK

'This is a well-written, easy-to-read book that provides a rounded and critical overview of evolutionary theory as applied to human behaviours. Unlike other evolutionary psychology texts, it does not have mate preferences as its primary focus, but provides coverage of diverse topics (e.g. incest avoidance, homosexuality, disease, brain development etc.) that will be of great interest to students across the social and biological sciences. It is always a delight to read something 'new' in text books, and the author has done an excellent job in providing interesting examples with which to support his arguments.' – Dr Nick Neave, Northumbria University, UK