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The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History Fred H. Previc (Psychologist and Lecturer)

The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History By Fred H. Previc (Psychologist and Lecturer)

The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History by Fred H. Previc (Psychologist and Lecturer)


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Summary

Dopamine is the most widely studied of all neurotransmitters in the human brain. In this text, Fred Previc puts forth a provocative evolutionary theory, positing that high levels of dopamine account for all major aspects of uniquely human behaviour, including abstract intelligence, creativity, exploration, religious behaviour and left-hemispheric thought.

The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History Summary

The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History by Fred H. Previc (Psychologist and Lecturer)

What does it mean to be human? There are many theories of the evolution of human behavior which seek to explain how our brains evolved to support our unique abilities and personalities. Most of these have focused on the role of brain size or specific genetic adaptations of the brain. In contrast, in this text, Fred Previc presents a provocative theory that high levels of dopamine, the most widely studied neurotransmitter, account for all major aspects of modern human behavior. He further emphasizes the role of epigenetic rather than genetic factors in the rise of dopamine. Previc contrasts the great achievements of the dopaminergic mind with the harmful effects of rising dopamine levels in modern societies and concludes with a critical examination of whether the dopaminergic mind that has evolved in humans is still adaptive to the health of humans and to the planet in general.

The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History Reviews

Review of the hardback: 'One of the challenges of evolutionary theory is to explain how we humans have come to occupy our exalted place on earth. What other species can even begin to speculate on its own evolution? Most accounts have focused on such characteristics as brain size, language, tool use, or cerebral asymmetry. In this extraordinary book, Previc puts the onus on the dopaminergic system, and builds the case from there. Written with enthusiasm and verve, this book will cause us to rethink our ideas about where we came from, and how we got here.' Michael Corballis, The University of Auckland
Review of the hardback: 'Whether you agree with Fred Previc's theories or not, his astonishingly ambitious history of the role of dopamine in the development of human consciousness is one of the most thought provoking and deeply informed science books I've read in years. A bold synthesis of evolutionary theory, genetics, and musings on war, technology, culture, and mental illness, this book will shake you up and make you see the timeline of human development - and the dynamics of your own mind - in startlingly fresh ways.' Steve Silberman, Senior Writer for Wired magazine

Table of Contents

1. What makes humans special?; 2. Dopamine in the brain; 3. Dopamine and behaviour; 4. Dopamine and mental health; 5. Evolution of the dopaminergic mind; 6. The dopaminergic mind in history; 7. Relinquishing the dopaminergic imperative.

Additional information

NLS9780521360890
9780521360890
0521360897
The Dopaminergic Mind in Human Evolution and History by Fred H. Previc (Psychologist and Lecturer)
New
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
2011-07-14
226
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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