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The Cooperative Gene: Evolution as a creative process
Renowned German neurobiologist Joachim Bauer uncovers the history of science’s thinking on cooperation, and in so doing unlocks the power of the individual in face of genetic evolution. Working from prehistoric times, before genes of any kind even existed, through the complex genetic processes that ensued to create human life, Bauer clearly explains how this process of evolution has been guided by creatures themselves. With modern techniques of genetic analysis, it is possible to clearly compare genetic mutations and address the reasons behind these shifts. Bauer tackles the central dogmas presente by Charles Darwin and sets forth compelling arguments for tearing down the concept of evolution being driven by the “selfish gene” or the “blind watchmaker.” As species become more and more complex, it is through community and cooperation that these complexities are taken into the genetic makeup. Bauer uses clear language to explain this history to the non-specialist, and his practical applications will appeal to anyone curious about why we have evolved as we have, and what we can do to continue to improve.
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More books
(Note that most of Bauer’s books and publications are in German. Names of titles provided below are English translations of the respective German titles).
The memory of the body - How relationships and lifestyles control our genes (2002)
Why do I feel what you feel - Intuitive communication and the mystery of mirror neurons (2005)
Joachim Bauer
Specialist in psychotherapeutic medicine; University Hospital Freiburg, Germany
Joachim Bauer is a German molecular biologist , neurobiologist and physician with training as an internist , a psychotherapist and psychiatrist . His specialty is psychosomatic medicine . He teaches as a professor at the Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg. Bauer is the author of several scientific papers. During1982 to 1984 he conducted research at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Freiburg in the field of gene regulation of immune mediators and acute phase proteins.