Mankind Evolving (Mrs.H.E.Silliman Memorial Lecture)

By Theodosius Dobzhansky

Book Overview

The Silliman Lectures at Yale University have been responsible for many books which have greatly influenced the progress of scientific work in the twentieth century. One of the foremost scientists of our time, Theodosius Dobzhansky, recipient of the Elliot and Kimbler prizes, and Da Costa Professor of Zoology at Columbia University, delivered the Silliman Lectures given in honor of the Centennial of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species. Based upon these lectures, Mr. Dobzhansky's latest book, Mankind Evolving, now takes its place beside his other great works. With a profound knowledge of the biological theory of evolution and modern genetics, Mr. Dobzhansky explores the possibilities of understanding mankind as a product of evolution and as an evolving whole. Human evolution, contends Mr. Dobzhansky, cannot be understood as a purely biological process, nor can it be adequately described as a history of culture; rather, it is the interaction between the two components of evolution-the biological, or organic, and the cultural, or superorganic. The interdependence of these two components is brought out most clearly if we consider that they both serve the same function-the adaptation to and control of man's environment. Drawing upon evidence from human biology, and the study of fossil ancestors of now-living mankind, Mr. Dobzhansky explains how the biological process led to the inception and advancement of culture as an instrument of adaptation. In producing the genetic basis of culture, biological evolution has transcended itself: it has produced the superorganic. The superorganic, Mr. Dobzhansky points out, has not annulled the organic; and human welfare, both in individuals and in societies, is predicated upon the health of the genetic endowment of human population. Man has not only evolved but is evolving, and Mr. Dobzhansky expounds the thesis that the genetic basis of culture should be improved, or at the very least should not be allowed to deteriorate. Mankind Evolving is of vital importance not only for scientists but for all who are concerned with the health of future generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300000707
• ISBN13: 9780300000702
• Release Date: March 1962
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The best essay on quintessence of human evolutionary issues.

This,almost 40 years old book,written by one of the 20th century leadings geneticist,whose contributions in genetic of Drosophila and also ones in Synthetic Theory of Evolution are landmarks of modern evolutionary thought,contains polemic exposure of topics,ranging from historical development of Darwinism to such controversial issues as Eugenics,Racial differencies and Future of Mankind shaped by evolutionary trends.All pro and contra arguments are presented together with conclusions,thus giving to reader first-class knowledge of all main aspects of Human Evolution.This book is usefull today,partly because no other author had written insofar such boldly and thorough exposure of such difficult subject,but mostly because of its integrity,clarity and stylistic qualities,and that is what makes this book a classic one.