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John A. Johnson's avatar

Superb analysis of the failed dialog. I like Joe Rogan and admire the way he is able to attract worthwhile participants on his show. But I am afraid that he just does not have the intellectual wherewithal to intervene at the right time in the right way to steer these dialogs in a constructive direction.

Nobody gets anywhere in the Middle East conflicts by using the "mommy he hit me first" argument. Israel justifies its war against Hamas by pointing to the October 7th massacre. Hamas justifies its massacre by pointing to what it claims to be thousands of illegal settlements on the West Bank. Back and forth, further and further back in time this unending, barbaric squabbling goes. History leaves me feeling hopeless about the Middle East, and the failure of smart people like Murray and Smith to make sense out of this quagmire and present a path forward leaves me feeling even more hopeless.

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Jake Akins's avatar

So your field of study is how we came from primitive fish to modern humans? This sounds like Jordan Peterson’s comparison of humans to lobsters. I’m curious, is anything objectively true? Does any thought transcend evolutionary theory?

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Paula Wright's avatar

Does any thought transcend science? Yes. They are called philosophy, metaphysics. and theology.

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Paula Wright's avatar

Peterson was talking specifically about how SSRI meds work the same way on humans & lobsters. We also use even simpler life forms like yeast. What if God is a scientist?

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John A. Johnson's avatar

I have discussions about these kinds of things only if we're sitting around a campfire in God's creation, preferably with beers on hand.

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Jake Akins's avatar

What is an evolutionary psych?

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Paula Wright's avatar

An evolutionary psychologist

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Jake Akins's avatar

How does one become an evolutionary psychologist, and what does the field study?

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Paula Wright's avatar

I don't think this is the real question. I hope you get to it soon.

You can google the question you asked:

AI Overview

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To study and become an evolutionary psychologist, you'll need to pursue a strong academic foundation in psychology and related fields, followed by advanced studies in evolutionary theory and research. Here's a breakdown of the educational path:

1. Undergraduate Education:

Choose a psychology major:

A psychology degree provides a solid foundation in human behavior, cognition, and research methods.

Take relevant coursework:

Consider courses in behavioral genetics, evolutionary biology, human behavior, and statistics.

Gain research experience:

Participate in research projects, either as an undergraduate research assistant or by conducting your own study.

2. Graduate Education:

Pursue a Master's degree (MSc) or Ph.D. (Doctorate):

Specialized programs in evolutionary psychology or related fields (like psychology, culture, and evolution, or anthropology) are available.

Master's programs:

Provide in-depth knowledge of evolutionary principles and research methods, preparing you for doctoral studies or careers in related fields.

PhD programs:

Involve conducting original research and writing a dissertation, culminating in a doctorate degree.

3. Key Skills and Knowledge:

Evolutionary theory: Understand concepts like natural selection, adaptation, and genetic variation.

Psychology: Be familiar with various psychological theories and research methods.

Research skills: Develop expertise in designing, conducting, and analyzing psychological research.

Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate scientific literature critically.

4. Career Paths:

Academic research: Conduct research and publish findings, teach university courses.

Applied research: Apply evolutionary principles in areas like healthcare, education, or public policy.

Other fields: Evolutionary psychology principles can also be applied in fields like marketing, business, and law.

5. Additional Tips:

Connect with faculty: Seek mentorship from professors in your field.

Attend conferences and workshops: Stay updated on the latest research and network with other professionals.

Publish your work: Present your research at conferences and publish in academic journals.

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