Evolution

Question 1

What is the recapitulation theory?

Answer 1

Recapitulation theory states that the developmental trajectory from a zygote stage to adult (ontogeny), follows the history of the evolution of its ancestors (phylogeny)

Question 2

Define Hedonism and Betham (1789)’s philosphy

Answer 2

People are motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain

Betham stated that we should choose actions which lead to the most pleasure to most people and we should avoid actions which bring pain to people.

Question 3

What did Bain (1955) say about Trial and Error and what is the Bain-Spencer principle

Answer 3

Trial and error provides the means to which we gain voluntary choice over our actions.

The Bain-spencer principle is that trial and error learning occurs through accidental success

Question 4

What did Alfred Wallace propose?

Answer 4

1. Human selection shifts from the physical to the psychological
2. Social instincts attenuate natural selection processes and prevent further intellectual evolution

Question 5

What was Darwin’s reponse to Wallace?

Answer 5

Emphasised sexual selection
The human intellect was not unqiue, it was shared across species
- Reasoning in apes
- Speech in parrots
- Altruism as a social instinct
General conclusion: there was continuity of elements from other species to man, but man inherited unique elements

Question 6

Describe Romanes theoretical framework in the ‘Mental Evolution in animals (1884)’

Answer 6

In order for a creature to hve a ‘mind’ it must:
- Have a nervous system
- Behaviour sensitive to past experiences
- Show a capacity for learning or memory