Definition
The limits of evolutionary explanations concern the difference between careful, testable evolutionary hypotheses and speculative "just-so stories" that use evolution to justify pre-existing assumptions.
Why it matters
Evolutionary reasoning is powerful and easily abused. Distinguishing the two protects both science and patients.
The Science
Evolutionary psychology has produced robust findings (e.g., in mate selection, disgust, kin bias) and speculative ones. Meta-scientific critique (Buller, Panksepp) has usefully clarified which claims withstand scrutiny.
The NSI Perspective
NSI holds epistemic honesty as a core practice. Evolutionary framing is welcome; overreach is not.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should treat evolutionary framings as one lens among several — useful, but not authoritative alone.
Practical Application
When someone says “that’s just biology,” ask which biology, from which evidence, applying to which claim. Precision protects.
References
- 1.Buller DJ. Adapting Minds: Evolutionary Psychology and the Persistent Quest for Human Nature. MIT Press; 2005.