Philosophy For Our Times
After Evolution | Oliver Scott Curry, Daniel Everett, Janet Radcliffe Richards
May 1, 2018
Oliver Scott Curry, a cognitive and evolutionary psychologist from Oxford, Daniel Everett, a linguist and cultural anthropologist, and Janet Radcliffe Richards, a practical philosopher, delve into the interplay of evolution, culture, and human behavior. They challenge genetic determinism, emphasizing culture's role in shaping society and emotional responses. The trio explores personal anecdotes from field research, critiques the simplification of cultural constructs, and calls for deeper engagement in the evolutionary psychology landscape, highlighting the need for impartial scientific inquiry.
30:30
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Quick takeaways
- Human behavior results from both evolved psychological mechanisms and cultural influences, emphasizing the need for an integrative understanding of these factors.
- Gender differences in behavior can be reassessed through evolutionary theory, acknowledging the significant role of cultural conditioning alongside biological influences.
Deep dives
The Role of Genes in Human Behavior
Human behavior is influenced by a combination of evolved psychological mechanisms and cultural inventions. While genes contribute to some aspects of behavior, they do not solely account for cultural variations. For instance, cultural practices such as caregiving roles differ markedly across societies, indicating that environment and social context play significant roles. This highlights that understanding human behavior requires an integrative approach that considers both genetic and cultural factors, rather than attributing differences to genetics alone.
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