Description: The Altruistic Brain uses language accessible to non-scientists so as to present an elegant theory of how human beings are "wired" to produce altruistic behavior in the first instance. That is, it argues that unprompted, spontaneous kindness is a default behavior that comes naturally to human beings on account of evolution, irrespective of religious or cultural determinants in that direction.
Review Quotes: "Pfaff convincingly shows the science of altruism..." --Publisher's Weekly
"Written in a highly readable style, The Altruistic Brain summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field and offers an excellent starting point for readers who are interested in learning more about the biology and neuroscience of human prosociality." --Science"[A]ccessible to nonscientists." --The ScientistRecommended as a summer read by the Ames Tribune."The book is most useful as a scientific refutation of the idea that human beings are innately selfish or innately cruel. Pfaff musters a great deal of evidence to show that the Christian notion of original sin -- and the capitalist notion of human self-interest as a sole motivating force -- are both unsustainable, at least in their more simplistic forms." --Pacific Standard"In combination with the accessibility to the general reader, Pfaff has done a magnificent job in compiling, reinterpreting, and presenting the neuroscientific evidence available as of today. ... Due to the breadth and range of consequences that the idea of humans having a predisposition for altruistic behavior implicates, the book should be obligatory reading not just for (cognitive) scientists and (moral) philosophers interested in the subject matter but everyone who is involved in decision-making processes in regard to social and legal policy." --Frontiers in Psychology"In sections worth reading twice, Pfaff posits the neural and hormonal mechanisms that promote prosocial behavior while in another, he takes a hard look at ways in which the altruistic brain deals with individuals' bad behavior. In the process he sets aside the traditional Christian idea of original sin as well as the capitalist notion that greed is good." --Spirituality and Practice"On solid scientific ground, [Pfaff] builds a five-step theory of how altruism occurs..." --New Scientist"This is the first book not only to explain why we are naturally good, but to suggest means of making us behave as well as we can. The Altruistic Brain is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the behavioral revolution in science and the promise that it holds for reorienting society towards greater cooperation." --BookRiotFeatured in the Financial Times."[A]n impressive compendium of research from evolutionary biology, neuroscience, developmental and social psychology, the biochemistry of hormones, and comparative religion as the basis for the argument that altruism is innate in humans and the Golden Rule is an ethical universal principle. Intended for readers without a science background, The Altruistic Brain is written in a style similar to Malcolm Gladwell's books (e.g., David and Goliath, 2013). Pfaff presents a wealth of interesting information that would appeal to a wide readership including undergraduate and graduate students." --PsycCRITIQUES"Accessible to a lay audience, this is the only title to treat this topic. It will interest students in neuroscience and psychology in addition to educators and policy makers. Highly recommended." --CHOICE"A splendid read and a real tour de force of brain science, this book proves that altruistic behaviour has the power to shape our brains and, consequently, our destiny -- a revolutionary insight that continues to provide debate among those who care about the future of man's role in the human society. Anyone seeking to learn about the amazing altruistic mechanisms of the human brain should read this book, which excels at spreading enthusiasm for altruistic behaviour by forging scintillating concepts out of difficult ideas." --The Tribune IndiaFeatured in -Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith