Getting Darwin Wrong: Why Evolutionary Psychology Won't Work

by Brendan Wallace

Brendan Wallace, with a background in psychology, demonstrates that the key claims of Evolutionary Psychology (EP), popularised by Steven Pinker and others, are based on the 'brain is a digital computer' argument. He then argues that as we now know this model of the brain will not work, therefore EP won't work either, since it is based on a fallacious view of the mind/brain. The book, which is written in a reader friendly but rigorous style, is a timely assault on one of the most fashionable philosophies of mind currently 'out there'.

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Joseph Sverker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is in many ways a very rare book because it is better in its constructive part than in its critical side. When Wallace writes about his preferred view of human psychology I think that he is quite convincing. Namely that thinking and intelligence goes together with embodiment and that we have to leave non-Darwinian essentialism behind. However, when it comes to the critique against Pinker and evolutionary psychology the sole emphasis is on the problems with the computational theory of the mind (cognitivism). That is certainly one side of EP, but I am not sure that Wallace is correct by stating that if cognitivism falls, then EP will fall. That remains to be seen of course, but I think the main idea of EP will probably survive for quite some time, I think that the development it has found in Evolutionary Development Psychology, for example, looks very interesting, and that, if I have understood it correctly, is not as bound to the idea of cognitivism.

Anyway, read it, but the argument against cognitivism is written almost in anger I feel and the argument gets blurred by Wallace conviction at times. I suppose a better book to read against EP is Bullers Adapting Minds, although I haven't finished that yet.

[Jonatan Almfjord · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brendan Wallace argues against the idea of evolutionary psychology, as popularized by Steven Pinker and others. The book is relatively short but takes some effort to get into, and if you, like me, are not an expert on the field - it might prove to be a heavy read.

My reason for reading this book was the subtitle: Why Evolutionary Psychology Won't Work. Though, after finishing the last page, I can't say I am convinced. Wallace at least two times points out Steven Pinker's good looks as the reason for his success - a low blow unworthy of a decent intellectual - and claims that "Pinker et al. can't get over the fact that they are no longer 'the new boys in town'."

There are many reasons to criticize evolutionary psychology, but Getting Darwin Wrong does not provide a good argument in the case.