Category Archives: Evolution
Survival of the Sneakiest
I have previously written a post about how natural selection doesn’t necessarily lead to the best or the most optimal designs. Like the classic example of the QWERTY keyboard, evolution is not about what’s best. It’s about whatever works. Well, … Continue reading
The Argumentative Theory
Here’s one of the most thought-provoking quotes I read recently: Reasoning was not designed to pursue the truth. Reasoning was designed by evolution to help us win arguments. We think we use reason to enhance decisions making and improve knowledge. … Continue reading
Filed under Evolution, Philosophy
The Mediocrity Principle
Some of the most brilliant minds on our planet respond to this year’s Edge question suggested by Stephen Pinker. The question is: What scientific concept would improve everybody’s cognitive toolkit? There are many good entries but I was especially intrigued by … Continue reading
Seekers of Depth and Profundity
In a thought-provoking and stimulating book, Identity and Violence: The Illusion of Density, Amartya Sen provides a powerful critique to the current trend of analyzing modern conflicts as “clash of civilizations” or clash between cultures – i.e., the tendency to … Continue reading
Filed under Books, Evolution, Philosophy
ANSWER: Natural Selection
QUESTION #1: Why are there so many more jocks than nerds in the world today? QUESTION #2: Why are anxiety disorders so prevalent today? In fact, answer to all “Why are there so many _____ in the world today?” questions … Continue reading
Autumn Colors
I went leaf-peeping with some friends over the weekend. While I was avidly relishing the innumerable shades of autumn foliage, I wondered why trees put on this spectacular “make-up” every year before the winter season begins. Some googling revealed a … Continue reading
Filed under Evolution
Whatever Works
In an interesting article in the American Scientist associate professor Robert Dorit challenges a common misunderstanding about how evolution works, and explains how the evolutionary process doesn’t necessarily lead to an optimal design. This perspective [that evolution inexorably leads to … Continue reading
Filed under Evolution
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In an extract from his upcoming book, The Greatest Show on Earth (that I am eagerly awaiting to read) Richard Dawkins explains that it’s the ‘proof beyond doubt’ that established a scientific theory as a “fact” – unlike, say in … Continue reading
Filed under Books, Evolution, Philosophy
