Human Evolution Beyond Biology and Culture

Both natural and cultural selection played an important role in shaping human evolution. Since cultural change can itself be regarded as evolutionary a process of gene-culture coevolution is operative. The study of human evolution - in past present and future - is therefore not restricted to biology. An inclusive comprehension of human evolution relies on integrating insights about cultural economic and technological evolution with relevant elements of evolutionary biology. In addition proximate causes and effects of cultures need to be added to the picture - issues which are at the forefront of social sciences like anthropology economics geography and innovation studies. This book highlights discussions on the many topics to which such generalised evolutionary thought has been applied: the arts the brain climate change cooking criminality environmental problems futurism gender issues group processes humour industrial dynamics institutions languages medicine music psychology public policy religion sex sociality and sports.