Find a copy in the library
Finding libraries that hold this item...
Details
| Document Type: | Book |
|---|---|
| All Authors / Contributors: |
Albert Somit; Steven A Peterson |
| ISBN: | 0275958175 9780275958176 |
| OCLC Number: | 35318410 |
| Description: | viii, 141 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. |
| Contents: | Ch. 1. Prologue to a Predictably Unpopular Thesis -- Ch. 2. Darwinism and Democracy: The Problem of the Missing Polity -- Ch. 3. Prerequisites of Democracy: Necessary but Not Quite Sufficient -- Ch. 4. Will the Real Democracies Please Stand Up -- Ch. 5. Dominance and Hierarchy -- Ch. 6. Obedience -- Ch. 7. Indoctrinability -- Ch. 8. Democratic Philosophy: From Ugly Duckling to Irresistible Swan -- Ch. 9. Policy Implications. |
| Series Title: | Human evolution, behavior, and intelligence |
| Other Titles: | Darwinism, dominance & democracy |
| Responsibility: | Albert Somit and Steven A. Peterson. |
Abstract:
Somit and Peterson seek to explain two apparently contradictory yet well-established political phenomena: First, throughout human history, the vast majority of political societies have been authoritarian. Second, notwithstanding this pattern, from time to time, democracies do emerge and some even have considerable stability. A neo-Darwinian approach can help make sense of these observations. Humans - social primates - have an inborn bias toward authoritarian life, based on their tendency to engage in dominance behavior and the formation of dominance hierarchies. Reinforcing this bias is an impulse toward obedience. These factors are associated with the propensity of humans to accept authoritarian systems.
Nonetheless, the authors argue, conditions of material abundance combined with another human characteristicindoctrinability - can foster the emergence and maintenance of democracies. Somit and Peterson assert that an understanding of "human nature" from an evolutionary perspective can help to explain how and why political systems have developed. They conclude by pointing to policy implications that might enhance the odds of formation and continuation of democratic forms of government. Students and scholars of political science and philosophy, sociology, and human biology will find this an intriguing study.
Reviews
Add a review and share your thoughts with other readers.
Be the first.
Add a review and share your thoughts with other readers.
Be the first.
Tags
Add tags for "Darwinism, dominance, and democracy : the biological bases of authoritarianism".
Be the first.