16min chapter

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins cover image

Richard Dawkins & Steven Pinker Discuss The Evolution Of Pain, Fear & Language

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins

CHAPTER

Evolutionary Aspects of Fears and Phobias

This chapter explores the evolutionary roots of fears and phobias, contrasting universal fears with modern risks and questioning the acquisition of fears through innate or learned experiences. The discussion also touches on the Darwinian explanation for emotions like depression, the purpose of pain as a warning signal, and the influence of selfish genes on human behavior. Additionally, they delve into the challenges of understanding complex scientific concepts like Darwinism and quantum physics due to limitations in human cognition.

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