Evolutionary Psychology, Public Policy ana Personal Decisions This page intentionally left blank This page intentionally left blank Evolutionary Psychology, Public Policy and Personal Decisions Edited by Charles Crawford Department of Psychology Simon Fraser University Catherine Salmon Department of Psychology University of Redlands LAWRENCE ERLBAUM ASSOCIATES, PUBLISHERS 2004 Mahwah, New Jersey London Copyright © 2004 by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, microfilm, retrieval system, or any other means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Inc., Publishers 10 Industrial Avenue Mahwah. New Jersey 07430 Cover design by Kathryn Houghtaling Lacey Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Evolutionary psychology, public policy and personal decisions / edited by Charles Crawford. Catherine Salmon. p. cm. Sequel to: Handbook of evolutionary psychology. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8058-4377-9 (cloth : alk. paper) ISBN 0-8058-4946-7 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Evolutionary psychology. I. Crawford, Charles (Charles B.) II. Salmon. Catherine. BF698.95.E96 2004 155.7—dc21 2003054726 CIP Books published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates are printed on acid- free paper, and their bindings are chosen for strength and durability. Printed in the United States of America 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contents Preface IX Part I: Methodological and Philosophic Considerations 1 Public Policy and Personal Decisions: 3 The Evolutionary Context Charles Crawford 2 The Essence of Evolutionary Psychology: 23 An Introduction Charles Crawford & Catherine Salmon 3 Beyond Sociobiology: A Kinder and Gentler 51 Evolutionary View of Human Nature Maria G. Janicki 4 Darwin and Evolutionary Moral Psychology 73 Harmon Holcomb vi COXTKXTS Part II: Cognitive ana Aiiective Psychological Processes 5 Mentalism and Mechanism: The Twin Modes 99 of Human Cognition Christopher Badcock 6 Self-Deception: Helping and Hindering Public 117 and Personal Decision Making Michele K. Surbey 7 Ancestral Emotions, Current Decisions: Using 145 Evolutionary Game Theory to Explore the Role of Emotions in Decision Making Timothy Ketelaar 8 Natural Law and Natural Selection: Deontic 169 Reasoning as Part of Evolved Human Nature Laurence Fiddick Part III: Real-World Applications 9 Marital Cooperation and Conflict 197 Margo Wilson & Martin Daly 10 The Pornography Debate: What Sex Differences 217 in Erotica Can Tell About Human Sexuality Catherine Salmon 11 Why Don't Men Pay Child Support? Insights 231 From Evolutionary Psychology Todd K. Shackelford & Viviana A. Weekes-Shackelford 12 Evolutionary Life History Perspective on Rape 249 Randy Thornhill & Craig T. Palmer CONTENTS 13 Women in the Workplace: Evolutionary 275 Perspectives and Public Policy Kingsley R. Browne 14 Is Psychopathy a Pathology or a Life Strategy? 293 Implications for Social Policy Kirsten N. Barr & Vernon L. Quinsey 15 Cultivating Morality and Constructing Moral 319 Systems: How to Make Silk Purses From Sows' Ears Dennis L. Krebs 16 Darwinism and Public Policy: The View 343 From Political Science Robert S. Robins Author Index 353 Subject Index 365 This page intentionally left blank This page intentionally left blank ace During the last 15 years, empirical and theoretical scientists and scholars have produced considerable empirical and theoretical knowledge on how Dar- win's theory of evolution by natural selection can be used in the study of human be- havior. So far, this knowledge has had little impact on policymakers and legislators. Lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and managers seldom consult evolutionary psychologists to help with their deliberations. When faced with per- sonal decisions, few individuals ask themselves how a Darwinian perspective might help them. The aim of this volume is to start the process of using the theories and findings of evolutionary psychology to help make the world a better place to live in, as well as to help people adjust to and deal with the realities of their evolved human nature. There are many conceptions of public policy. In this book, public policies mean laws enacted by legislative bodies, judicial interpretations of these laws and ad- ministrative procedures designed to implement them, as well as policies devised by corporations, public and private institutions, unions, and professional societies that enable them to conform to laws and their interpretations. Personal decisions are those that enable the ongoing behavior of individuals as they go about their daily lives, making friends, doing their jobs, finding mates, caring for their chil- dren, planning holidays, going to the movies, or scheming for advantage. Many factors (e.g., ability, financial resources, customs, and gender) constrain personal decisions. In state societies, public policies are one of the major constraints on per- sonal decisions.