Topic 4 - Applying EP

Question 1

What are two misconceptions about evolutionary psychology?

Answer 1

1. Confusing ultimate and proximate causations.
2. Thinking that everything is adaptive (some things are accidents or by-products).

Question 2

What is an example of a by-product of evolution according to EP?

Answer 2

Religion (a by-product, not an accident).

Question 3

What does the Occam’s Razor principle state?

Answer 3

The Occam’s Razor principle states that the solution requiring the least amount of explanations is most likely to be correct.

Question 4

What is one controversy in EP?

Answer 4

Thinking that everything is either nature or nurture.

Question 5

What is the naturalistic fallacy?

Answer 5

Thinking that everything that natural/evolved is good/right.

Question 6

What is the deterministic fallacy?

Answer 6

Thinking that everything is caused by evolution, humans are excused for their actions and they have no free will.

Question 7

What is social darwinism?

Answer 7

Applying EP to an extreme, thinking some people are better because they are “fitter”.