Evolution and Rationality: An Evolutionary Perspective on Psychology

Explore the fascinating intersection of evolution and psychology in this one-hour lecture from Yale University's Introduction to Psychology course. Delve into the concept of natural selection shaping the human mind, examining arguments for and against evolutionary psychology. Discover how an evolutionary perspective can constrain psychological theories and explain common human instincts underlying basic behaviors and decisions. Learn about potential misconceptions when applying evolutionary theory to psychology, and understand various claims against evolutionary psychology. Investigate ways in which evolution helps describe the mind, and explore heuristics such as framing effects, base rates, availability bias, and confirmation bias. Gain valuable insights into the origins of psychological phenomena through this comprehensive exploration of evolution, emotion, and reason.