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Some Recent Developments in Evolutionary Approaches to the Study of Human Cognition and Behavior

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Abstract

In this paper I review some theoretical exchanges and empiricalresults from recent work on human behavior and cognition in thehope of indicating some productive avenues for critical engagement.I focus particular attention on methodological debates between Evolutionary Psychologists and behavioral ecologists. I argue for a broader and more encompassing approach to the evolutionarily based study of human behavior and cognition than either of these two rivals present.

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Downes, S.M. Some Recent Developments in Evolutionary Approaches to the Study of Human Cognition and Behavior. Biology & Philosophy 16, 575–594 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012274813684

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