Phl. 340 / Hms 410 Freedom and Determinism Class #19.  T., Mar.21, 2000. Lecturer:  Dr. Randy Breitwisch, biology department. Topics:      Evolutionary psychology Reading:  [Earlier handout summarizing Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene] Description of class.     Dr Brietwisch divided his presentation in to four parts. 1.  The basics of evolutionary biology:  Darwin's theory of differential survival 2.  How our brains work:  to promote survival and reproduction 3.  DNA which promotes behaviors that aid reproduction gets reproduced 4.  Some examples of human behavior influenced by genes      Parental care; mate choice; treatment of stepchildren; cooperation. Next class:  Class will begin with followup on Breitwisch's lecture.  Then we will look at other sources that include some evolutionary biology component to explain behavior, asking eventually about the extent to which genetic influence limits inner freedom.  The readings for next class include brief excerpts from Judith Rich Harris, The Nurture Assumption (1998), Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel (1997), and Marvin Harris, Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches (1974).  Return to main course pageReturn to classnotes page   Go to assignments page