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From attractors to ecological strategies: Embedding subjective selection in an evolutionary-ecological framework
Nicolas Baumard1, Jean-Baptiste André1, Edgar Dubourg1
1Institut Jean-Nicod, Université PSL, Paris, France nbaumard@gmail.com jeanbaptisteandre@gmail.com edgar.dubourg@gmail.com.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|July 13, 2026
Summary
This commentary argues that cultural evolution models need evolutionary foundations. Evolved motivational systems, not just utility, drive cultural variant adoption, requiring an evolutionary-ecological framework for a complete understanding.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Cultural Evolution
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Singh's model shifts from dual inheritance to individual psychology.
- Current models may overlook the evolutionary underpinnings of cultural adoption.
- Understanding cultural variant selection requires a broader theoretical scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique Singh's model for lacking evolutionary foundations.
- To propose integrating evolutionary principles into cultural selection frameworks.
- To establish a comprehensive evolutionary-ecological approach to cultural transmission.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of cultural evolution theories.
- Argumentation for incorporating evolved motivational systems.
- Synthesis of adaptive goals, producer-consumer dynamics, and ecological variation.
Main Results:
- Cultural variants are adopted due to appeal to evolved motivational systems, not solely utility.
- Natural selection shapes these motivational systems.
- Subjective selection can be transformed into an evolutionary-ecological process.
Conclusions:
- Singh's model is incomplete without evolutionary foundations.
- An evolutionary-ecological framework is necessary for a robust understanding of cultural selection.
- Future research should integrate psychological and evolutionary perspectives on culture.
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