The Dissenter
#1078 Debra Lieberman: The Evolutionary Psychology of Disgust, Gratitude, and Emotional Tears
Mar 31, 2025
Join Debra Lieberman, a psychology professor at the University of Miami and author of "Objection: Disgust, Morality, and the Law," as she dives into the intriguing world of emotions through an evolutionary lens. Discover how disgust influences moral judgments and social norms. She delves into the role of gratitude in fostering cooperation within relationships and examines the dual function of tears as both protective and communicative. This lively discussion reveals the fascinating connections between emotions, societal dynamics, and our evolutionary past.
01:14:31
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Quick takeaways
- Emotions act as adaptive programs that guide human behavior, influenced by evolutionary contexts and shaped by survival and reproduction needs.
- The emotion of disgust plays a critical role in moral judgments by regulating social interactions and influencing perceptions of right and wrong.
Deep dives
Understanding Emotions from an Evolutionary Perspective
Emotions are perceived as programs that guide behavior, functioning similarly to cognitive processes. They coordinate psychological and physiological responses, allowing individuals to address adaptive problems that have manifested throughout evolutionary history. The differentiation among emotions is crucial, as various emotions have distinct functions tied to survival and reproduction. This classification supports the idea that emotions may represent a suite of adaptations, each with specific roles relevant to human interaction and decision-making.
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