The dopaminergic mind in human history and evolution
By: Fred H. Previc.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Cambridge [England]; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 214
ISBN-13: 9780521516990
Subjects: Dopaminergic mechanisms; Brain -- Evolution; Human evolution; Neuropsychology; Receptors, Dopamine -- physiology; Behavior -- physiology; Brain Chemistry -- genetics; Dopamine -- physiology; Evolution; Humans -- genetics
Description: What does it mean to be human? There are many theories of the evolution of human behavior which seek to explain how our brains evolved to support our unique abilities and personalities. Most of these have focused on the role of brain size or specific genetic adaptations of the brain. In contrast, Fred Previc presents a provocative theory that high levels of dopamine, the most widely studied neurotransmitter, account for all major aspects of modern human behavior. He further emphasizes the role of epigenetic rather than genetic factors in the rise of dopamine. Previc contrasts the great achievements of the dopaminergic mind with the harmful effects of rising dopamine levels in modern societies and concludes with a critical examination of whether the dopaminergic mind that has evolved in humans is still adaptive to the health of humans and to the planet in general.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: What makes humans special?; title: Dopamine in the brain; title: Dopamine and behavior; title: Dopamine and mental health; title: Evolution of the dopaminergic mind; title: The dopaminergic mind in history; title: Relinquishing the dopaminergic imperative.