Mind Design

Ethics and Morality

Putting the Moral Back in Moral Dumbfounding (Part II)

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on January 15, 2019

Joe McCarthy thought that he was patriotically rooting out communism. What do you think you're rooting out?

Relationships

Putting the Moral Back in Moral Dumbfounding

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on January 7, 2019

Did your parents let you get away with saying "just because?" You shouldn't let yourself either.

Ethics and Morality

The Ethics of the Company Holiday Party

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on December 31, 2018

When the company invites you to the annual holiday party... are they doing you wrong?

Parenting

Harassment With Impunity?

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 2, 2018

We tolerate, even endorse some kinds of harassment. Other forms we denounce. Why?

Self-Esteem

New Research on Soccer Fans Helps Explain Nelson Muntz

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on July 5, 2018

We're often told that aggression is driven by low self-esteem and poor social adjustment. Is it?

Relationships

Why Love?

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on February 21, 2013

Love: the agony and the ecstasy. But mostly the agony.

Politics

Are Hungry People More Liberal?

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on June 27, 2012

Are you changing your political views by having lunch?

Evolutionary Psychology

The Awful Green Things From Outer Space and Experimental Design

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on May 14, 2012

A board game and a lesson about experimental design.

Self-Control

Should You Consume Sugar to Improve Your Self-Control?

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on February 10, 2012

A new study further puts to the test the idea that sugar is "willpower fuel." And finds that it's not.

Alcoholism

On the Life-Saving Effects of Marijuana (Laws)

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on December 1, 2011

Which reduces traffic fatalities more: seatbelts or marijuana? You might be surprised...

Cognition

A Polite Exchange Between Author and Editor

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on November 28, 2011

The academic publishing process is mysterious. Here's a little behind the scenes look.

Self-Control

Glucose Is Not Willpower Fuel

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 29, 2011

You won't increase your willpower to resist eating doughnuts by eating doughnuts.

Self-Control

Willpower Is Not a Resource

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 25, 2011

Is willpower something that gets "used up?" A nice idea, contradicted by the data.

Ethics and Morality

Why Do You Really Oppose Drugs? Part III

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 18, 2011

Morality, we are often told, is rainbows and butterflies. Does it have a much darker side?

Health

Why Do You Really Oppose Drugs? Part II

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 16, 2011

If people wanted to ban pot because it’s dangerous, people would be trying to ban swimming. There’s another reason…

Sex

Why Do You Really Oppose Recreational Drugs?

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 11, 2011

What is the 2nd best question you can ask to determine a person’s stand on recreational drugs? The answer might surprise you…

Marriage

The APA and Its Emotional Tail

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on August 8, 2011

The APA thinks whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal is an empirical question. Is it?

Self-Esteem

Boobies

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on July 18, 2011

Evolutionary boobology...

Bias

Stopping Stereotyping and Prejudice

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on May 18, 2011

Recent controversy about a post at Psychology Today should make us vigilant about making generalizations about groups, whether racial or scientific.

Politics

Excessive Celebration in Football and Politics

Robert Kurzban Ph.D. on May 15, 2011

Is it morally acceptable to celebrate the death of an enemy? Or is it unsportsmanlike conduct?