Cultural Evolution and Human Behavior

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Joseph Henrich of Harvard University to discuss his work on how humans evolved genetically to be a cultural species. Our conversation begins with a discussion of radical interdisciplinarity, or how we need to adopt multiple approaches and perspectives to answer complex social scientific questions. This contrasts with a disciplinary focus, which still dominates most research. Our conversation then turns to discussing Henrich’s wider research agenda, exploring his two most recent books The Weirdest People in the World and the Secret of Our Success, and his current book project, The Collective Brain. Our conversation touches on humans as a cultural species, how the nature vs. nurture binary is false, and how policies regarding marriage and the family implemented by the Roman Catholic Church in the Medieval period shaped psychological variation observed in Western societies, leading to a more individualistic psychology, changes in the nature of Western law, and eventually leading to things like representative government.

Takeaways

• Radical interdisciplinarity is crucial for addressing complex research questions and fostering innovation.
• Interdisciplinary research requires collaboration and the ability to navigate different disciplinary languages and methodologies.
• Cultural evolution plays a significant role in shaping human nature and preferences.
• Institutions and policies need to be tailored to the local psychology and cultural context to be effective.
• Cultural learning and transmission have played a crucial role in human adaptation and evolution.
• The accumulated wisdom in our culture drives genetic evolution and shapes our physiology and behaviour.
• The Western Church's policies regarding marriage and the family have influenced the psychological variation observed in Western societies.
• Understanding the cultural evolution of institutions is important for international development policy and international relations.

Links:

Adam Smith's Panmure House

Adam Dixon

Joseph Henrich

Weirdest People in the World