Very Bad Wizards

Episode 26: Evolution and Sexual Perversion (with Jesse Bering)

Jul 8, 2013
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INSIGHT

Evolutionary Roots of Religion and Morality

  • Religious beliefs appear as byproducts of cognitive functions like theory of mind originally evolved for social interaction.
  • This byproduct creates a psychological illusion of an monitoring mind that enforces social norms and reputation, aiding cooperation.
INSIGHT

Female Anti-Rape Evolutionary Defenses

  • Women likely evolved specific anti-rape adaptations activated during their most fertile periods.
  • These include increased physical strength and bias against outgroup males, possibly as protection from sexual assault.
INSIGHT

Evolutionary Explanations Aren't Justifications

  • Explaining traits with evolutionary psychology does not justify or excuse them morally.
  • Misinterpretations wrongly suggest evolutionary explanations imply uncontrollable behavior and forgive immoral acts.
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