Race, Evolution and Behavior: A Life History Perspective - Softcover

Rushton, J. Philippe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0965683621 ISBN 13: 9780965683623

Publisher: Charles Darwin Research Institute, 2000

Synopsis

Using evidence from psychology, anthropology, sociology and other scientific disciplines, this book shows that there are at least three biological races (subspecies) of man Orientals (i.e., Mongoloids or Asians), Blacks (i.e., Negroids or Africans), and Whites (i.e., Caucasoids or Europeans). There are recognizable profiles for the three major racial groups on brain size, intelligence, personality and temperament, sexual behavior, and rates of fertility, maturation and longevity. The profiles reveal that, ON AVERAGE, Orientals and their descendants around the world fall at one end of the continuum, Blacks and their descendants around the world fall at the other end of the continuum, Europeans regularly fall in between. This worldwide pattern implies evolutionary and genetic, rather than purely social, political, economic, or cultural causes.

About this title

From the Author

Race is too Important to Ignore
For the past twenty years I have studied race differences in brain size, intelligence, sexuality, personality, growth rate, life span, crime, and family stability. On all of these traits, Orientals fall at one end of the spectrum, Blacks fall at the other end, and Whites fall in between. On average, Orientals are slower to mature, less fertile, and less sexually active, have larger brains and higher IQ scores. Blacks are at the opposite end in each of these areas. Whites fall in the middle, often close to Orientals.The evidence shows that this is due to both genes and environment. I have suggested an evolutionary theory to explain this three-way pattern. But for a long time now social science has treated race as a major taboo. Many people worry that just mentioning that the races differ leads to stereotypes and a lack of opportunities. But looking at race does not mean ignoring individuals. It may even help us become more aware of each person's special needs. The goal of this book is to be scientific. I want to describe and explain the world around us as it really is. As Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, said: "Science consists in grouping facts so that general laws or conclusions may be drawn from them." I have no policy suggestions or programs to offer, but I do believe decision makers would benefit from knowing the facts about race. Both science and social justice depend on truth. Both should reject error and falsehood, however well meant.

About the Author

J. Philippe Rushton is professor of psychology at the University of Western Ontario.

Edition details

• Publisher: Charles Darwin Research Institute
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0965683621
• ISBN 13: 9780965683623
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 106