Evolution and Empathy

This book applies new scientific research in the fields of biology and genetics to an empirical study of the Greco-Roman civilizations and the European Renaissance. These two periods were remarkable in part because of the dominance of empathy and humanism in the philosophical thought of each era. Both periods were preceded by the influx of many populations and genetic lines, a circumstance this book treats as not coincidental but probably causative.
The author cites the expression of new genetic combinations in these periods as evidence that genetic evolution can play a large part in the development of new philosophical concepts, as manifested in these two periods. The author explains that humanistic traits seem to rise and fall in lockstep throughout human history, directly or indirectly correlating with changing genetic underpinnings.

The late Milton E. Brener was a retired attorney who had written books and numerous articles on such topics as art, opera and Judaica, He lived in New York.

• “A good read”—The Mankind Quarterly

Milton E. Brener
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 268
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2008
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3665-1
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5121-0
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1

PART I : PRELIMINARIES
1. The Modern Synthesis      3
2. Toward a More Selfish Gene      9
3. The Nature of Empathy      22
4. Empathy and Affect      29
5. Facial Expression and Affect      33
6. Cerebral Asymmetry      36

PART II : THE PRE-GREEKS
7. Genetics and the Pre-Greeks      41
8. The Pre-Greeks and the Third Dimension      44
9. The Right Brain and Perspective      55
10. Facial Expression in Pre-Greek Art and Literature      58
11. Facial Expression and the Right Brain      65
12. Individuality and Human Sacrifice      67
13. Novelty and Innovation      72
14. The Pre-Greek View of the Natural World      80
15. Genes, Guns, Germs and Steel      84

PART III : THE PHYSIOLOGY
16. The Not So Modern Synthesis      91
17. The Taboos and the Looming Confrontation      97
18. Neurotransmitters and Temperament      106
19. Internal Tone, Eye Color and Temperament      115

PART IV : THE WAYS OF THE GODDESS
20. Greek Geography and Migrations      125
21. Population Genetics and Sexual Selection      133
22. Chinks in the Armor of the Modern Synthesis      140
23. The Baldwin Effect and Genetic Assimilation      145

PART V : HER TOOL KIT
24. Epigenesis      153
25. Genetic Accommodation      161
26. Genetic Facilitation      164

PART VI : THE GRECO-ROMAN RISE AND FALL
27. Greek Politics and Art      171
28. Greek Literature      181
29. The Romans      186
30. A Theater of Opportunity      192
31. The Dark Ages      202

PART VII : THE RENAISSANCE AND BEYOND
32. An Advance Renaissance      211
33. The Renaissance Portrait      219
34. Perspective and the New View of Nature      221
35. Epilogue      230

Chapter Notes      233
Bibliography      241
Index      251