Special Topic: Evolutionary Approaches to Human Psychology

In this course, we cover the three main evolutionary approaches in the human behavioural sciences: Evolutionary Psychology, Human Behavioural Ecology, and Cultural Evolution. These three approaches differ in the relative importance they place on genetic and cultural evolution, how flexible they assume human psychology is, and how similar the human mind is to the minds of other species. We will evaluate how well these approaches can explain human capacities for supernatural beliefs, cooperation, language, emotions, and partner selection. Throughout the course, we will address common misconceptions about evolution and explore the processes that ultimately shape the human mind. The course starts with a series of lectures introducing students to the basic principles of evolutionary systems, as well as the uses and abuses of evolutionary thinking. The course then transitions into a seminar-based format where students lead group discussions of the assigned course readings. The purpose of these seminars is not necessarily for students to arrive at the same conclusions, but instead to understand how people’s diverse backgrounds and assumptions can lead to different understandings of the world. Respectful and constructive disagreement will be emphasized.