Arcadia Public Library

Examines the evolution of life on Earth, from the first primitive organisms to modern humans, and attempts to look into the future.

In setting out to answer his central question "Is evolution progressive?", Dawkins illustrates the human biases that continue to muddle our understanding of just what evolutionary 'progress' means; from early Victorian influences, to contemporary scientific texts which uncritically invoke 'evolutionary scales' and notions of 'higher' and 'lower' organisms. In turn, Dawkins demonstrates the 'human chauvinistic' definition of progress, and why, if progress...

A fascinating, far-reaching study of how our species' innate capacity for culture altered the course of our social and evolutionary history.

Describes, using evidence found in fossil layers, how one-cell organisms evolved into complex plants and animals.

Challenging the idea that biological evolution is aimless, the author explores his theory that greater social complexity is "in the cards" for humanity as the species continues to evolve

Relates the evolution of the family of mankind, from single cells in the sea to human beings with "big brains that wonder who we are."

A controversial scientific vision predicts a time in which humans and machines will merge and create a new form of non-biological intelligence, explaining how the occurrence will solve such issues as pollution, hunger, and aging.

Examines three key life stages from a sociological perspective, exploring how enduring experiences, as well as transitions and events such as childcare, education, stress, marriage, career, addiction, friendship, parenthood, disease, spirituality, and retirement influence the individual's life course. The life stages examined are: Childhood and Adolescence; Adulthood; and Later Life.