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A deeper integration of Selfish Goal Theory and modern evolutionary psychology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2014

Daniel Conroy-Beam
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, Austin, TX 78712. [email protected]@austin.utexas.edu
David M. Buss
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, Austin, TX 78712. [email protected]@austin.utexas.edu

Abstract

Conceptually integrating Selfish Goal Theory with modern evolutionary psychology amplifies theoretical power. Inconsistency, a key principle of Selfish Goal Theory, illustrates this insight. Conflicting goals of seeking sexual variety and successful mate retention furnish one example. Siblings have evolved goals to cooperate and compete, a second example. Integrating Selfish Goal Theory with evolutionary theory can explain much inconsistent goal-directed behavior.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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