Caveman Logic

A look at the scary and entertaining ways in which our primitive minds are mismatched to the modern world around us.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Smart Viruses and Stupid People

Hank Davis Ph.D. on February 18, 2021

If we didn't demonize Darwin and fear science as we do, Americans might have a better understanding of what's really happening during the pandemic.

If we didn't demonize Darwin and fear science as we do, Americans might have a better understanding of what's really happening during the pandemic.

Friends
The Devil Made Me Do It

Hank Davis Ph.D. on July 30, 2020

How come we take credit for our good behavior, but are quick to blame the Devil when we act badly?

How come we take credit for our good behavior, but are quick to blame the Devil when we act badly?

Magical Thinking
Other People's Stupid Beliefs

Hank Davis Ph.D. on September 25, 2019

It's easy to criticize other people's religious and supernatural beliefs, but how about your own? Are they really any better?

It's easy to criticize other people's religious and supernatural beliefs, but how about your own? Are they really any better?

Magical Thinking
Mermaids and Vampires: Do You Know Which One Is Real?

Hank Davis Ph.D. on August 26, 2019

Mermaids? You've got to be kidding. But TV, which is the only "science education" some people get, is willing to deceive you with docu-fiction so they can sell you more beef jerky.

Mermaids? You've got to be kidding. But TV, which is the only "science education" some people get, is willing to deceive you with docu-fiction so they can sell you more beef jerky.

Bias
Are You Guilty of "Isms"?

Hank Davis Ph.D. on June 4, 2019

You have more to worry about than racism and sexism. That same primitive part of your brain can also push you toward ageism, speciesism, and nationalism.

You have more to worry about than racism and sexism. That same primitive part of your brain can also push you toward ageism, speciesism, and nationalism.

Laughter
Dead Guys on Tour

Hank Davis Ph.D. on November 7, 2018

Are your favorite performers dead? With a little magic, we can have them back on the road in no time. But how do you feel about a dead guy giving a "live" show?

Are your favorite performers dead? With a little magic, we can have them back on the road in no time. But how do you feel about a dead guy giving a "live" show?

Friends
It's Hard to Cope with a Lost Wallet

Hank Davis Ph.D. on September 21, 2018

A lost wallet: Those words strike fear into anyone who's gone through the experience. It can turn your world upside down.

A lost wallet: Those words strike fear into anyone who's gone through the experience. It can turn your world upside down.

Freudian Psychology
Oedipus Wrecks

Hank Davis Ph.D. on July 24, 2018

Freud taught us about the Oedipus Complex: how little boys want to dispatch their fathers and marry their mothers. He never told us what happened to unfortunate ones who succeed.

Freud taught us about the Oedipus Complex: how little boys want to dispatch their fathers and marry their mothers. He never told us what happened to unfortunate ones who succeed.

Marriage
Go Back to Your Wife

Hank Davis Ph.D. on May 22, 2018

You want female empowerment? An edgy new song by Jane Getz has put a brand new spin on "cheating songs." It will probably change some lives.

You want female empowerment? An edgy new song by Jane Getz has put a brand new spin on "cheating songs." It will probably change some lives.

Education
Why Shouldn't We Educate Our Prisoners?

Hank Davis Ph.D. on February 21, 2018

Most of our prisoners are kept ignorant and devoid of an education. And to many people, that seems just fine. What is it about educating convicts that bothers us so much?

Most of our prisoners are kept ignorant and devoid of an education. And to many people, that seems just fine. What is it about educating convicts that bothers us so much?

Friends
What Would You Do to Please a Handful of Friends?

Hank Davis Ph.D. on January 24, 2018

Just how far would you go to please your family and friends? Group conformity goes all the way back to the Pleistocene Age and is a recurrent theme in pop music and film.

Just how far would you go to please your family and friends? Group conformity goes all the way back to the Pleistocene Age and is a recurrent theme in pop music and film.

Environment
The Better Angels of Our Nature

Hank Davis Ph.D. on March 14, 2017

It sometimes seems impossible to find those "better angels" inside ourselves and resist the lure of meanness and bigotry that's all around us.

It sometimes seems impossible to find those "better angels" inside ourselves and resist the lure of meanness and bigotry that's all around us.

Heuristics
Trusting Your Gut: An Excuse For Not Thinking?

Hank Davis Ph.D. on January 7, 2017

You're going to have to listen to more than your "gut" to get through life's major decisions. Don't be afraid to question what you hear. It's not a sin to be intelligent.

You're going to have to listen to more than your "gut" to get through life's major decisions. Don't be afraid to question what you hear. It's not a sin to be intelligent.

Spirituality
Why A Little Doubt Is Good For You

Hank Davis Ph.D. on September 27, 2016

It takes courage and integrity to express Doubt. Faith is not always a virtue. In fact, it may be a central human failing and we should stop glorifying it.

It takes courage and integrity to express Doubt. Faith is not always a virtue. In fact, it may be a central human failing and we should stop glorifying it.

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