Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite

February 28, 2011
Mod makes a comeback in an entertaining explanation of brain functioning that cuts the two-hemispheres theory down to size and minces the mind into modules. Coming from a background in evolutionary psychology, Kurzban suggests that the human mind is not the unified operator of actions contributing to survival and success, as many claim and even more assume, but rather a multi-faceted system of functioning parts that are not always on the same side—or even aware of the same information. The modules perform different, often separate, functions, which can account for confusing, inconsistent, and apparently contradictory behavior and speech. Bolstered by recent studies and research, Kurzban makes a convincing and coherent, though hardly comprehensive, case for the modular mind, greatly helped by humorous footnotes and examples. Despite the first-time author's near absolution of hypocrites, promotion of ignorance, comparisons of humans to machines, and criticism of moral stances on abortion and drugs, his most controversial statements lie in the realm of the self; indeed, conventional understanding of a "self" ceases to even be plausible with the modular mind theory. Taking on lofty topics, including truth and belief, Kurzban makes a successful case for changing–and remapping—the modern mind.

January 1, 2011

Kurzban (psychology, Univ. of Pennsylvania) is a luminary in the growing discipline of evolutionary psychology, which focuses on ways in which evolutionary adaptation accounts for the nature of human mental capacities. In this provocative book sporting ten chapters with titles like "Consistently Inconsistent," "Evolution and the Fragmented Brain," and "Psychological Propaganda," Kurzban argues that "the brain consists of a large number of specialized systems, or modules, with various functions associated with solving our ancestors' adaptive problems." Human brains not only have evolved but are also composed of numerous "modular systems," which means that there is no unified brain or self. Kurzban devotes much space to explicating and demonstrating ways in which his theory plays out in our everyday lives. VERDICT As long as readers can get past the author's breezy tone, fans of books like Daniel C. Dennett's Consciousness Explained will be particularly intrigued by Kurzban's contributions to the subject. An important scholarly text that is also accessible to sophisticated lay readers.--Lynne F. Maxwell, Villanova Univ. Sch. of Law Lib., PA

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