Constraints on Cultural Adaptation

Kim Sterelny
Philosophy, Australian National University

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     Last modified: February 26, 2005
     Presentation date: 07/14/2005 9:15 AM in ROZH 105
     (View Schedule)

Abstract
There are memetic theories of maladaptive cultural practices, and
accounts based on the power of punishment to enforce arbitrary and even
maladaptive norms. I shall explore a third option: I shall argue that
constraints on variation and on response to variation are important in
explaining (for example) the fact that mechanisms of cultural evolution
have failed to generate effective, well-adapted folk medical practice.

Multiple Paper Session:
Other papers in this session:
When Does Cultural Selection Explain Cultural Novelty?
Cultural Variation and Epistemic Access
Reproducers and the evolutionary development of culture
Core Configurations that Can Think, Learn and Create
Generative Entrenchment and the scaffolding of individual development and social institutions