Robert Kurzban Books
Robert Kurzban is an American evolutionary psychologist and professor known for his research on modularity and human behavior. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and published widely on topics related to evolutionary psychology and decision-making.
Known for: Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite: Evolution and the Modular Mind
Books by Robert Kurzban
Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite: Evolution and the Modular Mind
This book explores the evolutionary psychology behind human inconsistency and hypocrisy. Robert Kurzban argues that hypocrisy is not a moral failing but a natural consequence of the modular structure of the human mind. Each mental module evolved to handle specific tasks, often leading to conflicting behaviors and beliefs. Through this lens, Kurzban explains why people often act in ways that contradict their stated values and how understanding this modularity can illuminate human nature.
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The Modular Mind
To understand hypocrisy, we must first grasp the concept of modularity. Evolution has sculpted our minds not as a single general-purpose processor but as a collection of distinct computational mechanisms—modules—each specialized for particular adaptive challenges. This idea, rooted in evolutionary p...
From Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite: Evolution and the Modular Mind
Conflict Among Modules
Once we accept that the mind is modular, the next step is noticing how these modules interact—and often clash. Every person harbors multiple agendas because each module carries its own evolutionary logic. This is why you might find yourself fiercely moral in one situation and ruthlessly pragmatic in...
From Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite: Evolution and the Modular Mind
About Robert Kurzban
Robert Kurzban is an American evolutionary psychologist and professor known for his research on modularity and human behavior. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and published widely on topics related to evolutionary psychology and decision-making.
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Robert Kurzban is an American evolutionary psychologist and professor known for his research on modularity and human behavior. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and published widely on topics related to evolutionary psychology and decision-making.
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