The whole universe is governed by the laws of physics, so we are told. Yet, paradoxically, we believe that man is beyond those laws - the one exception to the rule - able to exercise free will; master of his own destiny.

But imagine for one minute that there is no such thing as free will - that it is a by-product of our perceived intellectual superiority. Imagine instead that the choices we make are an inevitable result of prevailing conditions. Though far beyond our comprehension our lives are, in fact, entirely predictable, and have been mapped out from the beginning of time, governed by those laws which we refuse to apply to ourselves.

Consider then the implications of this theory. If man's choices are inevitable - a result of factors beyond his control - how can he be held accountable for his actions?

This thought-provoking book takes the theory of evolution a step further, claiming that it is not only man's physical traits that have adapted in the struggle for survival, but also his personality and behaviour. This concept of psychological evolution has the power to question the way we view society, from our relationships with others to our very definition of culpability.