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E-book
Author Previc, Fred H.

Title The dopaminergic mind in human evolution and history / Fred H. Previc
Published Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2009
Online access available from:
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Description 1 online resource (ix, 214 pages) : illustrations
Contents What makes humans special? -- Dopamine in the brain -- Dopamine and behavior -- Dopamine and mental health -- Evolution of the dopaminergic mind -- The dopaminergic mind in history -- Relinquishing the dopaminergic imperative
Summary 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
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-207) and index
Notes Print version record
Subject Dopaminergic mechanisms.
Brain -- Evolution.
Human evolution.
Neuropsychology.
Receptors, Dopamine -- physiology
Behavior -- physiology
Brain Chemistry -- genetics
Dopamine -- physiology
Evolution
Humans -- genetics
MEDICAL -- Neuroscience.
PSYCHOLOGY -- Neuropsychology.
Brain -- Evolution
Dopaminergic mechanisms
Human evolution
Neuropsychology
Genre/Form Electronic books
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780511540721
0511540728
9780511581366
051158136X
9780511538117
0511538111