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Strong group-level traits and selection-transmission thickets.

Jeffrey C Schank1

  • 1Department of Psychology,University of California,Davis,Davis,CA 95616.jcschank@ucdavis.eduhttp://www.agent-based-models.com.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
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Summary

This study differentiates weak and strong group-level traits in cultural evolution models. Strong traits, intertwined with vicarious selection mechanisms, create "selection-transmission thickets" hindering evolutionary modeling.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary studies
  • Social sciences
  • Cultural evolution

Background:

  • Developing accurate models of cultural evolution is complex.
  • Group-level traits present unique challenges for evolutionary modeling.
  • Existing models may not adequately account for trait interdependencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a distinction between weak and strong group-level traits.
  • To identify specific obstacles in modeling cultural evolution.
  • To introduce the concept of "selection-transmission thickets".

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis based on Campbell's notion of vicarious selection mechanisms.
  • Theoretical argumentation regarding trait interactions.
  • Examination of obstacles in developing cultural evolution models.

Main Results:

  • A distinction between weak and strong group-level traits is proposed.
  • Strong group-level traits are identified as particularly problematic for evolutionary models.
  • Vicarious selection mechanisms intertwine with other group traits, forming "selection-transmission thickets".

Conclusions:

  • Selection-transmission thickets pose significant obstacles to modeling cultural evolution.
  • The proposed distinction and concept offer a new framework for understanding evolutionary dynamics.
  • Further research is needed to explore the implications of these thickets for cultural evolution.