ABSTRACT
Humans have become quite familiar with the idea of an evolution of structures throughout the ascending types of animals. To a considerable degree humans have become familiar with the thought that an evolution of functions has gone on pari passu with the evolution of structures. This chapter frames a conception of the evolution of conduct, as correlated with this evolution of structures and functions. Self-preservation in each generation has all along depended on the preservation of offspring by preceding generations. And in proportion as evolution of the conduct subserving individual life is high, implying high organization, there must previously have been a highly-evolved conduct subserving nurture of the young. Race-maintaining conduct, like self-maintaining conduct, arises gradually out of that which cannot be called conduct: adjusted actions are preceded by unadjusted ones. On reaching a perfect adjustment of acts to ends subserving individual life and the rearing of offspring, the evolution of conduct becomes complete, is to conclude erroneously.
