🚀 Introduction

• Evolutionary psychology helps explain a lot, making sense of our observations.
• But! (Yes, there's a but) There are criticisms we need to know.

• Evolutionary psychology assumes our mind is built of modules shaped by evolution.
• Module, huh? 🤔 Think about your phone's apps. Each app (module) has a specific function.
• Twist: Our brains can change (neuroplasticity). So, where do the module boundaries go?
• Real-world example: Some monkeys have a "snake alarm" in their brains - a special module that detects snakes. It's so specialized, even monkeys who've never seen a snake react to it!
• Dilemma: While specialized modules (like snake alarms) are believable, the idea of a full modular brain is controversial.

• For a trait to evolve, it adapts to an environment.
• Problem: Our knowledge about early human environments is like swiss cheese - full of holes!
• 🌴 For instance: Were our ancestors always near trees or did they migrate frequently? Each scenario affects how traits might've evolved.

• Some say evolutionary explanations can't be tested easily.
• Critics argue that we can make up stories (called ad hoc fallacies) about anything.
• Example: Explaining being kind by saying it helps our family genes, but being selfish helps our own genes.
• Yet, not all evolutionary theories are just "stories". Some researchers actually set and test predictions!