Epilogue: The Ethics of Using Evolutionary Theory

As we come to the end of our journey, we must remember three things:

• this book is merely an introduction to the many ways evolution influences our behavior;
• evolution impacts us on a species level, and individual variation is a key aspect of our success; and
• we should not misuse species level trends to justify the mistreatment of groups or individuals.

Evolution Explains, It Does Not Justify

Most importantly, we should remember that evolutionary theory is an explanation of how change occurs. It should not be used to justify inequality or blame the voiceless and disadvantaged. Rather, it helps us see how and why species come and go. It contextualizes variation as a necessary aspect of the success of any animal.

For this reason, we must remember that humans are one of the most varied species on the planet. This is amazing! We have managed to successfully cultivate a niche on nearly every continent on Earth. We have even begun to explore ways to adapt to space and planets beyond our home. This variation is crucial to continued survival of our species.

Evolution can help us answer many important questions, if we remember that, at its core, evolutionary theory is about surviving to reproduce. Even traits that do not directly aid us in reproduction were passed on from prior generations – either genetically or culturally.

But it should not come at the cost of others. Evolutionary theory should not be used to justify

• racism or xenophobia
• gender and sex discrimination
• economic or health disparities
• religious or cultural discrimination
• maltreatment of another group for any reason

This means we must be careful moving forward. There is a dark history of evolutionary theory being misused. Social Darwinism attempted to explain inequalities in economic class, education, and more using the language of evolutionary theory. It was Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) who coined the phrase “Survival of the Fittest” as he attempted to justify growing gaps between the rich and the poor in Victorian England. Rather than exploring political, social, and economic practices, the wealthy and educated attempted to dismiss their responsibility to the social good. Instead they blamed those who struggled for simply not being “fit” enough. Sound familiar?

Likewise, eugenics and phrenology attempted to use physical traits to justify the perpetuation of classist, racist, and sexist agendas during the late 19th and early 20th century. Whether arguing that divots in one’s skull explains depression or insisting that a “pure race” exists, both of these practices have left deep scars in our history that must be overturned with new understandings of variability.

For this reason, I encourage you to review Chapter 2: Anthropological Methods and Ethics.

Continued Evolution

Of course, evolutionary processes continue to influence all species – including humans. We are not now, nor have we ever been, in a static state. This goes directly against the heart of evolutionary theory and Darwin’s postulates.

The new challenge is to become conscious of how our technology, culture, and group choices are not only influencing our own evolutionary outcomes, but also those of the other species and environment around us. As we continue to ask “can we” our choices will have profound consequences. It may be time to ask “should we.” Should we keep drilling, mining, culling, building, using…

Moving Forward

In order to evolutionary theory to be of use to us in the future, we need to remember the following goals and potential of its use. Evolutionary theory and research

• seeks broader patterns in an effort to understand large scale change.
• looks to the past to discover lessons for the future.
• defines our place among millions of other species.
• explains the incredible variation in human bodies, behaviors, cultures, and beliefs.
• provides a connection to our planet and each other.
• confers more responsibility than it grants privilege.

When we take an evolutionary approach to human behavior, we see an ape that is caring, cooperative, and connected. We have immense potential to learn and accept others. We can choose cooperation over conflict. And that is the most important lesson of this book.

The End?