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Evolutionary psychologist Steve Stewart-Williams joins me for a discussion on common evolutionary myths and misunderstandings, how these misreadings of the literature often lead to destructive ideologies, ways in which our modern world is mismatched to our evolutionary wiring, speculative explorations into theories of complexity and consciousness, and much more.

Professor Steve Stewart-Williams is a evolutionary psychologist with a particular interest in sex differences, nature and nurture, science, philosophy, and more. He’s authored “The Ape That Understood the Universe” (2018) and “Darwin, God and the Meaning of Life” (2010). You can find his work at https://www.stevestewartwilliams.com/, where he hosts his “Nature-Nurture-Nietzsche Newsletter.”

Steve Stewart-Williams

Evolutionary Psychologist

Takeaways

  • Natural selection is not about what’s good for the species, but about reproductive success and inclusive fitness.
  • The concept of the selfish gene suggests that traits are designed to pass on genes.
  • Evolution and consciousness are complex topics that are still being explored.
  • Cultural evolution and social media have a significant impact on human behavior and can both have positive and negative effects. Culture plays a significant role in shaping human behavior and can sublimate negative aspects of human nature.
  • Human culture is flexible and can create kinder societies.
  • Sex differences have both biological and cultural components, and it is important to have an accurate understanding of these differences.
  • The overlap between sexes is significant, but there are also notable differences in areas such as immune response, sexual orientation, and aggression.
  • It is crucial to consider the interplay between biology and culture when examining human behavior and to avoid making unjustified claims based on naturalistic fallacies.

AI Generated Chapters

06:49- The Selfish Gene: Traits Designed to Pass on Genes

26:23 -The Impact of Cultural Evolution and Social Media on Human Behavior

39:06 – The Impact of Culture on Altruism and Kindness

46:20 – The Flexibility of Human Culture in Creating Kinder Societies

53:32 – Recent Evolution: Physiological Changes vs. Cognitive Changes

01:02:59 – Understanding the Nature and Nurture of Sex Differences

01:11:35 – Mitigating Negative Aspects of Human Nature through Cultur