RLST 4280 - Current Perspectives on the Evolution of Consciousness and Culture

Studies of evolution traditionally regard morphology (anatomy)/behavior and mind/consciousness as separate fields that belong either in biology/paleontology or in psychology/philosophy. The “middle ground” behavior, anthropology, social systems, is also treated separately in most cases. Recent approaches tend toward a more holistic view using unifying principles and “laws of nature” that show similar processes (dissipative effects, information theory, development theory) operating across all fields. Examines the relationships and common threads between the physical anatomical evolution of organisms and their behavior perception and consciousness. Prereq: Introductory course in evolution (biology/paleontology), psychology, philosophy, anthropology, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with GEOL 3100 and PHIL 3100. Semester Hours: 3 to 3