Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,Queer 148 - Darwin's "Universal Acid

Institution:

Colgate University

Subject:

Description:

J. Baldani Darwinian theory has been likened to "universal acid," a mythical substance so powerful that it eats its way through any container or attempt to contain it. This course examines the far-reaching consequences of Darwinian theory for attempts to understand human nature and human identity. The course begins with an overview of Darwinian theory, with an emphasis on how mindless algorithmic processes can give rise to complex organisms and behavior, and an overview of the game theory and statistical concepts needed to understand literature on evolution and human behavior. It then turns to broad issues concerning human identity and culture: whether humans are "blank slates" or whether there is an evolved human nature, how altruistic behavior and morality might have evolved under pressure from natural selection, and the nature of (and misconceptions about) motherhood and how mothers' behavior has been molded by selection pressures. Throughout the course particular attention is paid to the intersection of philosophy and empirical da

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.colgate.edu

Phone Number:

(315) 228-1000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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