On this episode of Sanity, join us for Part 1 of a 2-part discussion between Dr. Jason Duncan and Dr. William Sanderson on how evolutionary psychology can be applied to current issues humans are facing. They briefly review mismatch theory, which is the concept that humans evolved with certain traits that were key to our survival; however, these same traits are not as functional in the modern world as they were in the past. Specifically, Dr. Sanderson discusses how the traits of selfishness, violence, and ethnocentrism were highly adaptive and selected for, but they may lead to our existential destruction in the modern world. The first part of this discussion is focused on political polarization and how ingroup/outgroup bias, the media, and moral indignation have led to the current political climate in the United States. Join us for Part 2 where Dr.’s Duncan and Sanderson will be discussing how evolutionary traits may be contributing to nuclear threat and climate change. If you are interested in learning more about evolutionary psychology, check out the previous podcasts with Dr. Sanderson!

Resources and Links:

Christopher Hitchens book: A Long Short War: The Postponed Liberation of Iraq

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Short-War-Postponed-Liberation/dp/0452284988

Dr. Sanderson’s Psychology Today Blog: Our Evolutionary Selves:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-evolutionary-selves

The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play it: On Social Position and How We Use it:

https://www.amazon.com/Status-Game-Position-Governs-Everything-ebook/dp/B08H7Y414K

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