"The Descent of Man"
A review of Charles Darwin's "The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex".
1,674 words (
approx. 6.7 pages) |
1 source |
MLA | 2006
|
Published on: Aug 23, 2006
Paper Summary:
Charles Darwin, a British naturalist and known for his previous work "The Origin of Species", published his second large work on evolutionary theory, "The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex" in 1871. This paper examines how, originating as notes scribbled down with no intent to publish, Darwin took known facts from his contemporaries of the day and attempted elucidate human evolution within the confines of the framework of selection. It looks at how the book touches on several issues pertaining to the evolution of man, including social interactions with females from males and why certain tribes flourished while others died off. It also discusses his unique look on races, a more definitive view on sexual selection, differences between men and women and the relevance of evolutionary theory in society.
From the Paper:
"Chapter Five, On the Development of the Intellectual and Moral Faculties during Primeval and Civilized Times, is the most stimulating chapter that can also be found later in Jared Diamonds works Collapse (2005) and Guns, Germs, and Steel (2005). Darwin shows that those who were best in trappings and weaponry would rear the greatest number of offspring (133), which the tribes larger than others would result in greater chances of birth (134). The tribes with courage, sympathy, fidelity, and a social quality inherited would spread and be more victorious over other tribes (135), and if one aided then the other would reciprocate, incorporating encouragement, praise, and blame (135)."
"The Descent of Man" (2012, April 01). Retrieved May 24, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Essay-The-Descent-of-Man/68515
""The Descent of Man"" 01 April 2012. Web. 24 May. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Essay-The-Descent-of-Man/68515>