Sanity

Dr. William Sanderson on evolutionary psychology and the negative consequences of our mismatch with the modern world


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On this episode of “Sanity” Dr. Jason Duncan and Dr. William Sanderson discuss the application of evolutionary psychology to physical and mental health problems most humans face. Core principles of evolutionary theory are discussed, such as survival of the fittest, sexual selection, and inclusive fitness. Dr. William Sanderson explains how the environment we evolved in as hunter gatherers created certain traits necessary for our survival; however, those same traits are “mismatched” to our modern society in a number of ways. Various topic areas related to “mismatch” theory are discussed, including work satisfaction, relationships, eating/exercise, social media, and polarization. Dr. Sanderson and Dr. Duncan thoroughly dive into each of these areas and discuss how they lead to increases in misery, lower marriage and birth rates, and increases in nearly every medical and mental health disorder. Tune in to hear more about the importance of understanding evolution and to learn about what we can do to combat “mismatch.”

Books by E.O. Wilson: https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/edward-o-wilson/205915/

Article: Work: The Tragedy of Our Age: https://quillette.com/2020/01/30/work-the-tragedy-of-our-age/

Anatomy of Love by Helen Fisher: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Love-Marriage-Completely-Introduction/dp/0393285227

Plagues and the Paradox of Progress: https://www.amazon.com/Plagues-Paradox-Progress-Healthier-Worrisome/dp/0262038455

The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker: https://www.amazon.com/Blank-Slate-Modern-Denial-Nature/dp/0142003344

The Moral Animal by Robert Wright: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-moral-animal-why-we-are-the-way-we-are-the-new-science-of-evolutionary-psychology_robert-wright/251990/?gclid=CjwKCAiA4veMBhAMEiwAU4XRr8NjU5tvr4h_-TEuXV-ssuGpd_lbjpEiWvfPydOaUP5hd6S0w7q8DRoCRpwQAvD_BwE#edition=2271847&idiq=3924813

Podcasts:

Joe Rogan’s Episode with Brett Weinstein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRCzZp1J0v0

Sam Harris’ podcasts about social media: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2edfbc78-8731-40fa-b5f7-498079d4a08b/making-sense-with-sam-harris?refMarker=dm_wcp_af_r&ref=dmm_acq_mrn_d_ds_rh_z_-c_c_538970003911_g_127821134784&returnFromLogin=1&

Social Media Information:

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/sandersonhofstra

Blog: Our Evolutionary Selves: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-evolutionary-selves

Youtube Lectures: https://sites.google.com/view/sandersonhofstra/humannature

Twitter: @WCSphd

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SanityBy Dr. Jason Duncan

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