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Explaining group-level traits requires distinguishing process from product

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 June 2014

Karthik Panchanathan ,
Sarah Mathew  and
Charles Perreault
Karthik Panchanathan
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. karthikpanchanathan@gmail.comhttp://www.missouri.edu
Sarah Mathew
Affiliation:
School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287. Sarah.Mathew@asu.educharles.perreault@asu.eduhttp://www.asu.edu/
Charles Perreault
Affiliation:
School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287. Sarah.Mathew@asu.educharles.perreault@asu.eduhttp://www.asu.edu/
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Abstract

Smaldino is right to argue that we need a richer theory of group-level traits. He is wrong, however, in limiting group-level traits to units of cultural selection, which require explanations based on group selection. Traits are best understood when explanations focus on both process (i.e., selection) and product (i.e., adaptation). This approach can distinguish group-level traits that arise through within-group processes from those that arise through between-group processes.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 37 , Issue 3 , June 2014 , pp. 269 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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References

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