Outline the processes of evolution and explain how theory of mind is an adaptation resulting from the selective forces that have operated during evolution

Outline the processes of evolution and explain how theory of mind is an adaptation resulting from the selective forces that have operated during evolution.

Evolutionary psychologists endeavour to understand how animal and human behaviour evolved and the adaptive functions that these behaviours would have had over time. They reflect on ultimate explanations and look for the reasons why such phenomena exist and how this helps to ensure that our genes (the structures containing DNA sequences) are passed to future generations through the process of sexual reproduction. Evolutionary psychology is concerned with identifying which behaviours and psychological traits are adaptive and the function which the latter fulfil. Evolutionary psychologists do not, therefore, look for causal explanations regarding behaviour, but are concerned instead with functional explanations. By researching evolved characteristics and abilities they try to uncover within the processes of evolution how the human mind works, and ultimately how societies function. They conclude that our current physiology and psychology still demonstrate a decisive interplay between adaptations and environments on an evolutionary timescale (Clegg, 2007 pp. 161-2).

The theory of evolution is in the most part derived from the work of Charles Darwin (1809-1892). Following many years of painstaking research, most notably surrounding his study of species of the Galapagos Islands, he arrived at the theory that species have gradually evolved from common ancestors. He researched the possible processes through which evolutionary change could have occurred and argued that there is a strong relationship between genes and environment, whereby genes that allow for traits most suited to dealing with changes in the environment will be selected for. Darwin recognized how important sexual reproduction (where genes are passed to the next generation) is for creating variation, and that inherited characteristics and genetic variation are open to random changes. However, the forces of natural selection have effect on these changes enabling the mechanisms that ensure the organism is better able to survive within their environment are selected for, and consequently more likely to be passed onto the next generation.

The processes of selection occur over extremely long periods of time. Hominoids (the family containing primates) evolved around 22 to 31 million years ago, with humans appearing very recently on the evolutionary timescale – somewhere between 150,000-200,000 years ago. We should note also that since it is the genes that endure over time, selection refers not to the survival of the individual or indeed of the species, but to the survival of the genes. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins noted that ‘People act as ‘vehicles’ to contain the genes, and these are passed on when they reproduce’ (as cited in Clegg 2007, ...

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Humans, being highly social creatures, require psychological mechanisms that enable them to successfully interact within the social environment. For example, being able to guess what another person is thinking in order to predict how they might behave, or understanding others’ behaviour so as to be responsive to their feelings, or even being capable of deceit are all highly useful abilities for social interaction. In an evolutionary context, these social skills and empathy with others would have greatly improved an individual’s survival chances and/or reproductive success, ultimately increasing the chances of his genes passing onto the next generation. Such traits would have been a positive asset to the species as a whole. As psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen explained ‘by being able to predict one another’s behaviour, two individuals can work together more effectively thereby improving survival chances’ (As cited in Clegg 2007, p. 133). Our ancestors who possessed such characteristics would have had a great advantage over those who did not. Thus in accordance with Darwin’s theory these abilities, over time, would have been selected for.

The ability to predict and explain the actions both of oneself and of others, and the ability to mentally put oneself in the place of another is known as theory of mind. It is associated with the ability to manipulate and influence others within a social context both in a positive and in a negative way. These abilities are essential in gaining social status and resources, forming alliances and obtaining sexual partners. Ultimately, they are greatly significant in the role they play in reproductive success and our continued survival as a species.

Theory of mind interests evolutionary psychologists because it is fundamentally relevant to modern human behaviour. Psychologists are particularly concerned with its evolution and its role, hence much research has been carried out involving children, those diagnosed as autistic, and non-human primates in order to develop upon hypotheses. Evidence collected from research involving these groups has led psychologists to better understand theory of mind and its functions. A large amount of studies on the aforementioned three groups involve testing deception and false beliefs using a version of the Maxi test devised by Wimmer and Perner (1983). However, there are more modern experiments which have revealed evidence of theory of mind in children as young as 2 years old. Further evidence in the form of archaeological findings, such as signs of burial rituals and evidence of art production has been uncovered. The ability to create imaginary images or the notion of an afterlife would suggest that our ancestors were able to conceptualize the thoughts and beliefs of others.

Research evidence from experiments carried out involving children from many different societies and cultures shows that theory of mind is universal, and consequently indicates that it may be an evolved adaptation. Much of the research suggests that it may have evolved because it effected human interaction within social environments which would have benefited humans and their offspring. Those who displayed a strong theory of mind are likely to have improved their chances of survival by increasing their social status, or they may have used deception, or plan ahead to their advantage in order to gain more resources. They may have been able to negotiate dangerous situations by predicting others’ behaviour, or those with a highly developed theory of mind may have had more success regarding sexual reproduction.

We can say then that theory of mind is an intrinsic element of our humanness, with evidence suggesting that its adaptive function is a result of the selective forces of evolution. It is all about enhancing social relationships; a perspective that is supported by a number of researchers (Baron-Cohen, 1999; Byrne and Whiten, 1997; Dunbar, 2003) (As cited in Clegg 2007, p. 138). Theory of mind as a psychological mechanism has been a highly influential factor to the developmental progress of the human race, and unequivocally instrumental to the success of the species.

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