Conflicts in our mind

Bibliographic Data

ID20401971
AuthorsHarry Smit (0000-0001-7123-5833, Maastricht University, corresponding author)
Year2011
Volume21
Issue3
Pages377-395
Publication date2011-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTheory & Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-3543 • E-ISSN: 1461-7447
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0959354310371859
OpenAlexW1994044609
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited24

According to evolutionary theorists, there are conflicts in our minds between genes and ideas. Evolutionary theorists investigate how natural selection has moulded possible outcomes of these conflicts. This essay investigates the conceptual framework that is used by evolutionary theorists when they develop explanations. This framework is advanced as an extension of ideas of William James on intrapsychic conflicts. It is argued that this framework is best characterized as crypto-Cartesian. The problems associated with this conceptual framework are analysed and it is suggested that the alternative, Aristotelian framework extended with Darwin’s theory is a better starting point for studying possible conflicts in the mind. The advantages of the Aristotelian framework are discussed with regard to both human and animal behaviour

Cognitive science · Conceptual framework · Epistemology · Evolutionary psychology · Evolutionary theory · Natural selection · Sociology · Computer Science · Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Psychology · Artificial Intelligence

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