How our teenage years shape our personalities My four-year-old twins are similar in many ways – both are sociable, loving and cheeky – but a few contrasts are opening up. For instance, our son is more aware of time, endlessly … Continue reading The person you will become
A Cognitive Scientist Explains the Evolutionary Roots of Smartphone Addiction Much ink has been spilled worrying about what the scourge of smartphone addiction is doing to the kids, in particular. So much so that Apple rolled out a suite of … Continue reading Craving for smarthphone
How Does Evolution Escape Local Maxima? I’ve spend most of my intellectual life as a theorist, but alas it has been a while since I’ve taken the time to learn a new powerful math-based theory. But in the last few … Continue reading The benefits of complexity
How Useful Is Fear? Franklin D. Roosevelt no doubt meant to be soothing when he insisted, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” A quick and terrifying tour through the academic literature on fear, though, reveals just … Continue reading The evolution of fear
Human nature matters A strange thing is happening in modern philosophy: many philosophers don’t seem to believe that there is such a thing as human nature. What makes this strange is that, not only does the new attitude run counter … Continue reading What makes humans tick
Choosing partners or rivals If you’re an optimist, you probably believe that humanity is inherently cooperative and willing to sacrifice for the greater good of all. If you’re a pessimist, chances are you believe that, in the end, people will … Continue reading Direct reciprocity
Scientists have an intriguing new theory about our eyebrows and foreheads If you were to run into our ancient ancestor Homo heidelbergensis on the street, the first thing you might notice is their small forehead and heavy brow. You and … Continue reading Do eyebrows tell the truth?
