CLASS 22

Critique of Evolutionary Psychology

Darwin is the Devil’s Messenger =

Contradicts most religious teachings Human beings are special – not animals Surely, we don’t come from primordial slime No absolute proof

ALTERNATIVES? Cultural and religious traditions Multitudinous versions Not scientific No way of evaluating: you believe it or you don’t

Evolutionary Psychology Reminder: EP claims that the mind evolved as well as the body (both are pre-wired) i.e., the way we think and act was also selected for its adaptive value

1. The Story-telling Complaint Easy to make up stories to explain current facts Explanations are post-hoc Unique predictions are more impressive

2. The Pessimism Complaint EP too pessimistic about the source of our bad qualities Also implies inflexibility i.e., we can’t fix it

Examples of Bad Traits attributed to Evolution Prejudice & Xenophobia Aggression (Lorenz) Rape (Thornhill) Infanticide (Daly & Wilson)

3. The political complaint EP justifies the status quo – i.e., men in power sex roles are predetermined by biology: “Biology is destiny”; “boys will be boys” EP response: Doesn't mean it's not true naïve optimism can be dangerous

4.The Impossibility Complaint -if EP is correct, then how can there be…..

a. Altruism sacrificing oneself for others seems to refute evolution EP response from Wilson Inclusive fitness Reciprocal altruism

b. Homosexuality ORIGIN? Choice ? Genetic ? Childhood events ? Congenital (hypo-masculinization)

How could Homosexuality Be Adaptive? worker bee version submissive version creative version

c. Birth control Birth control is common among human societies Refutes evolution? EP RESPONSE: absolutely not

Proximate mechanisms Evolution selects proximate mechanisms (we enjoy warmth, sweet & fatty foods, sex, sleep) These desires continue even if we attempt to over-ride their effects (e.g., birth control, artificial sugar) Preferences not learned; they are intrinsic desires selected by evolution Mostly unconscious and unconnected

d. Steven J. Gould’s critique evolution, yes -- EP, no not all evolved traits are adaptive some are just spandrells Our main evolved trait is an amazing learning processor

A SCIENTIFIC ALTERNATIVE TO EP EXPLANATION OF SEX DIFFERENCES

Social Learning Theory All sex differences can be explained by cultural conditioning differences derive from social roles Males & females grow up in different cultures

BUT why universal sex roles ? Eagly and Wood sex role differences derive indirectly from universal physical differences males bigger and stronger females carry the babies sex roles are assigned to fit those differences later maintained by tradition

Wrap-Up: Recent increase in activity & influence of EP EP now on equal footing with SLT for explaining human behavior Biggest controversy over sex differences

Wrap-Up: Best presentation of EP is book by Steven Pinker: “The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature”