Failures of explanation in Darwinian ecological anthropology

Article Abstract:

Darwinian ecological anthropologists (DEAs) favor generality of explanations over relevance to causal mechanisms. Their goal is the development of a model that is as widely applicable as possible, but this strategy does not promote the goal of finding causal explanations. DEAs have also failed to draw the appropriate lessons from failed predictions. For example, the work of Richerson and Boyd on mechanisms that lead to the spread of maladaptive behaviors has had little impact on the field. Moreover, DEAs have failed to incorporate the latest findings in ecological and evolutionary biology, nor have they followed the example set by Darwin himself.

Methods, Influence, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Anthropology, Darwin, Charles, Behavior evolution, Behavioral evolution, Explanation, Behavioural evolution

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Practical rationality in social science explanation: A reply to Terrence Kelly

Article Abstract:

Terrence Kelly argues for a theory of practical rationality to explain and handle the issue of residential segregation in the United States, claiming that theories of 'racism as irrational and rational choice are not explanatorily in this regard. However, it is argued that the theory of practical rationality is equally inadequate and that better explanations could be offered by appeal to ethical theory.

Analysis, Social sciences, Rationality

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Can understanding undermine explanation? The confused experience of revolution

Article Abstract:

The evidence from Iranian revolution of 1979 is used to explain casual mechanisms, the experience of revolution that is dominated by confusion, and people involved in revolutions. The revolutionary experience is characterized by confusion and objectivist approach may work best when structures persist throughout the period under study.

Iran, Evaluation, Revolutions, Iranian Revolution, 1978-1979

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