I Introduction.- One Structure and Evolution of Hierarchical Systems.- II On Emergent Structures, Truisms and Fallacies.- 1 Structure and Complexity of Evolving Systems.- 1.1 Examples.- 1.2 Basic Definitions.- 1.3 Informal Summary.- 2 Basic Problems of the Evolution of Matter.- 3 Holism Versus Reductionism.- 3.1 Reduction of Theroies.- 3.2 Lower-Level Representations.- 3.3 Cross-Level Deterministic Effects.- 3.4 Holism Reconsidered.- 3.5 Informal Statement of Results.- 4 The Paradox of Emergent Evolution.- 4.1 Emergent Evolution: A Crude Misconception.- 4.2 A Note on Stochastic Evolutionary Theories.- III The Concept of Unified Theory.- 1 Synthesis Versus Reduction of Theories.- 2 Synthesis of Theories Through Parametrisation of Laws.- 2.1 Parametrisation of Laws.- 2.2 Synthesis of Theories.- 2.3 Informal Summary.- 3 The Central Representation Theorem.- 3.1 The Meaning and Significance of the Theorem: An Informal Résumé.- 4 State-Determined Hierarchical Systems.- 4.1 Parameter Families of Systems.- 4.2 Unified System Theories.- 4.3 State-Determined Hierarchies.- 4.4 Evolutionary Processes.- 4.5 Informal Summary and Discussion.- 5 Pointless Scientific Controversies.- 5.1 Cross-Level Similarity of Structures.- 5.2. Cultural Systems as "Emergent Wholes".- 5.3 System Simulation.- 5.4 The Problem of Similarity in Comparative Ethology.- 5.5 Darwinism Versus Mendelism.- Appendix: Examples.- 1 Interacting Biological Populations.- 1.1 Dynamical Systems.- 1.2 Interacting Populations as Coupled Systems.- 1.3 The Associate Parameter Family.- 1.4 State Determinacy and Hierarchical Evolution.- Two The Evolution of Social Structure.- IV Perspectives on Non-Adaptive Evolution.- 1 Is Sociobiology Reductionist?.- 1.1 Complexities of Social Interaction.- 1.2 Sociobiology: Merits and Limits.- 1.3 The Quest for Alternatives.- 1.4 An Approach to Non-Adaptive Change.- 2 The Concepts of Structural and Evolutionary Instability.- 2.1 The Meaning of Structural Instability.- 2.2 Structurally Stable and Unstable Games.- 2.3 Informal Summary and Discussion.- V Structural Instability in Evolutionary Population Biology.- 1 Sociobiology and the Structural Instability of Behaviour Patterns.- 1.1 Sources of Evolutionary Change.- 1.2 A Dynamical Approach to Biosocial Genetics.- 1.3 Asymptotically Stable Equilibria.- 1.4 Favourable Mutations.- 1.5 Application to Inclusive-Fitness Theory.- 1.6 Applications to Insect Social Structure.- 1.7 Evolutionary Instability in Secular Time Scales.- 1.8 Informal Summary and Conclusion.- 2 Structural Instability in Population Dynamics.- 2.1 Population Interactions in Secular Time Scales.- 2.2 Low-Dimensional Examples.- 2.3 The Adaptive Topography Reconstructed.- 2.4 Informal Summary and Discussion.- 3 Dynamics and Structural Change in Biocultural Coevolution.- 3.1 The Basic Equations.- 3.2 The Concept of Cultural Capacity.- 3.3 The Impact of Learning on Biocultural Evolution.- 3.4 The Expiration of the Coevolutionary Circuit.- 3.5 Summary and Conclusions.- VI Applications to Human Social Structure.- 1 The Anthropological Significance of Evolutionary Stability and Instability.- 2 Political Power as an Evolutionary Structure.- 2.1 Evolution of Hierarchical Complexity.- 2.2 Stability of Social Structure.- 2.3 Biobehavioural Bases of Influence and Power.- 2.4 Political Power.- 2.5 Summary and Discussion.- 3 On the Evolution of Complex, Political Society.- 3.1 The Evolutionary Conceptual Framework.- 3.2 Biobehavioural Bases of Sociocultural Complexity.- 3.3 From Rites to Sanctions.- 3.4 Summary.- VII Concluding Remarks.- References.- List of Symbols.