The Evolution of Human Settlements

Description

This book analyzes the history and development of settlements—from the earliest periods in human history to the present day—from a Darwinian evolutionary perspective. At the foundation of the evolutionary model is the argument that the human capacity for complex communication and unique problem-solving ability have led to the formation and reality of the modern city and its scaled-up megacity status. While evolutionary theory forms the platform for the book’s argument, general systems theory provides the operational framework for the organization and interpretations of each chapter. Throughout the book, the authors tackle various issues, questions, and possibilities regarding the future development and evolution of human settlements. Front Matter ....Pages i-xv Front Matter ....Pages 1-1 Models for Thinking About Human Settlements (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 3-20 General Systems Theory, Evolution, and Human Settlements (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 21-42 Front Matter ....Pages 43-43 Humans Before Settlements (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 45-72 The Advent of Permanent Human Settlements (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 73-94 From Settlements to Civilizations (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 95-122 Front Matter ....Pages 123-123 Mechanisms of Settlement Evolution: Cultural Learning and the Creation of Social Institutions (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 125-151 Human Problem-Solving (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 153-179 Theory of Mind in Settlement System Evolution (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 181-199 The Industrial Revolution and Its Effects (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 201-224 Front Matter ....Pages 225-225 Decision-Making, the Direction of Change, and the Governance of Complex, Large-Scale Settlement Systems (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 227-246 Sustainability Problems Facing Industrial Settlement Systems (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 247-272 Prospects for Human Settlements in the Anthropocene: Challenges to Equality, Sustainability, and Agency (William M. Bowen, Robert E. Gleeson)....Pages 273-300 Back Matter ....Pages 301-309