My theoretical critique of evolutionary psychology is now finally in print, titled Evolutionary psychology: Neglecting neurobiology in defining the mind, and published in the June 2013 edition of Theory and Psychology. Due to copyright restrictions I am unable to post the final version, but here is a brief quote summarizing the content:  _________________________________________ “Evolutionary psychology [...]

Atheism, by definition, means an absence of faith or a disbelief in the existence of God. By this definition, I am most assuredly an atheist. But as followers of this blog will know, I also have a dislike for some of the attitudes and methods, respectively held and utilized, by a sizable minority of contemporary [...]

In this post, I will first link to my updated book list (recommended reads) with brief reviews for Becker’s Birth and Death of Meaning and The Denial of Death, and a shortened review for Tallis’ Aping Mankind. I also want to express here some general thoughts about the process of reading and how one might [...]

Every year, my university invites a keynote speaker to give a psychology-related presentation to the class of fourth-year undergraduate students. This year, our faculty decided to invite celebrated evolutionary psychologist, Gad Saad, who will give a lecture titled: “The Consuming Instinct: What Juicy Burgers, Ferraris, Pornography and Gift Giving Reveal.” As you might guess, Saad [...]

It is hard navigating in this world when you think differently than most people. This is equally true when you feel that way within your own academic profession. After all, any scientific field or program of study, including psychology, should represent a general agreement about the scientific methods or tools for doing work within the [...]

There is no ultimate purpose, point, or meaning, to human life – our existence is absurd. Some of us know this – at least intellectually. And yet most of the time, awareness is not enough to prevent us from trying to escape our uniquely human problem, through the reification of symbolic meaning by illusionary ideals. [...]

The human condition is ultimately absurd. Yet the unconscious mind works in ways to disguise that fact from our awareness while circumventing the uncomfortable feelings that would otherwise be provoked. The threat is always there – as is our unending thirst for psychological equanimity. Illusionary ideological systems offer meaning to an otherwise meaningless existence, and [...]

Introduction Freud was right to say that culture or civilization is a symbolic reaction against the physical and psychological terrors of nature. The natural world means uncertainty and chaos. It brings storms, earthquakes, floods, famine, and death. Nature is cruel and heartless – it cares nothing for the needs of man and is indifferent to [...]

If you search YouTube, you will find a lot of videos discussing the ‘scientific evidence’ uncovered by evolutionary psychologists who purportedly explain everything from ‘why we shop,’ to religion and moral behavior. Most layperson reviews are overwhelmingly favorable and the skeptic would be hard-pressed to find many serious criticisms in the online video discussions. Richard [...]

About a month ago, Rebecca Watson gave a lengthy presentation at Skepticon critiquing evolutionary psychology. Her talk has re-ignited online debate regarding the scientific validity of the field, and recent discussions have brought many defenders out of the woodwork. If you have not seen her talk, you might first want to check it out: Readers [...]