What is Evolutionary Psychology?
I have written quite a few pieces using this terminology, so instead of explaining it on each spot, I'm passing the knowledge upon you now.
Evolutionary psychology is a field of psychology that studies human behavior and cognition from the perspective of evolutionary adaptation. It seeks to understand the psychological mechanisms that have evolved through natural selection and how these mechanisms influence human behavior and culture.
Key Concepts in Evolutionary Psychology:
Adaptation: Evolutionary psychology suggests that many human psychological traits and behaviors are adaptations – they evolved because they enhanced our ancestors' survival and reproductive success.
Natural Selection: Traits that increased our ancestors' chances of survival and reproduction were more likely to be passed down to future generations, shaping the human species over time.
Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA): This refers to the environment to which the human species is adapted. Evolutionary psychologists argue that many of our psychological traits are suited to the ancestral environment in which humans evolved, which was quite different from our current modern environment.
Influence on Human Behavior:
Evolutionary psychology suggests that various human behaviors and psychological tendencies, such as mate selection, parenting instincts, fear responses, and social behaviors, can be better understood by considering the evolutionary pressures that our ancestors faced.
For example, the preference for particular physical traits in a mate might be linked to indicators of good health or fertility. Altruistic behavior can be explained by the kin selection theory, where individuals are more likely to help their close relatives, enhancing the survival chances of shared genes.
Origins of the Term:
The term "evolutionary psychology" became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. While various scholars contributed to the development of evolutionary psychology, Leda Cosmides and John Tooby are often credited with formalizing the field and coining the term.
Evolutionary psychology has been crucial in understanding certain aspects of human behavior. It has provided valuable insights into mating strategies, parental investment, and social cognition. By understanding our evolutionary past, we can gain insights into why humans behave the way they do.