The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad Evolutionary Psychology Informs the Social Sciences and the Denial of Science (The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad_835)
May 14, 2025
Gad Saad, a professor and evolutionary behavioral scientist, shares invaluable insights into the challenges faced by evolutionary psychology in social sciences. He discusses the philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry and the crucial concept of falsifiability. The conversation delves into the 'parasitic nature of ideas' and the tension between group identity and truth-seeking. Saad also highlights how human reasoning often prioritizes winning arguments over discovering truth, making for a thought-provoking discourse on contemporary societal issues.
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Contrasting Receptions to Evolutionary Psychology
- Gad Saad gave two talks at University of Michigan on evolutionary psychology in consumer behavior.
- Psychology audience was receptive; business school audience was resistant and dismissive.
Ideology Fuels Resistance to Evolution
- Evolutionary psychology faces animus partly due to ideological commitments like Marxism.
- Critics fear evolutionary theory explains everything about human behavior, which challenges beliefs.
Value of Ultimate Versus Proximate Explanations
- Understanding both proximate (how) and ultimate (why) explanations enhances comprehension.
- Economists often ignore ultimate explanations, missing deeper insights into behavior.
