SPSY3040: The Evolutionary Psychology of Violent Behavior

The course examines the evolutionary context for violent behavior and forms of non-cooperation through a bio-psycho-social lens. Using this bio-psycho-social lens we will consider the biological underpinnings of the “fight or flight” response and amygdala hijackings, as well psychological contributors to the behavior, and how society can attempt to influence these outcomes. Behavioral examples of how aggression can be occasioned by reflex will be contrasted to more “purposeful” aggression that is maintained by the outcomes of these behaviors. In the class we will attempt to differentiate between conspecific, impulsive, premeditated, defensive, and offensive aggression. Using the extant aggression literature, these outcomes will be divided into reactive (those to avoid danger) and pro-active forms (those to gain some competitive advantage). We will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of being the aggressor in terms of the biology of stress management. Beyond the contexts and cues (food, mating, territory, and resource acquisition) that lead to a higher likelihood for epigenetic expression of aggressive behavior, we will examine how verbal behavior can continue to maintain animosity between groups. Classic experiments in psychology covering in-group out-group bias, the bystander effect, conformity, modeling, and game theory will be covered to highlight how they can contribute to non-cooperation. Considerations will be given to how our ancestor’s ability to weapon seek provided competitive advantages in hunting and war, while examining how our fascination and habituation to fighting led to larger audience demands for more entertaining blood sports. Students taking this course will understand that the motivations and rationales for the many topographies of aggression differ by situational contexts, whether they are micro-aggressions, or serial murder, or mass shootings. Using an inter-disciplinary framework, the causes of the behavior can stem from many different sources of control, and only by examining the multivariate causes can we truly understand the concept and colors of anger. Although, many societies frown upon aggression that occurs ritualistically for pleasure, these cases are starkly contrasted to eulogizing a hero’s use of aggression in the right context. We will explore the lighter side of anger which can also be used to motivate us to action, and we will explore current therapies used to manage stress and intrusive aggressive thoughts, impulses and actions. We will learn not to label others as impulsive, but rather find the means that help everyone acquire the skills that lead to one to exert impulse control when we see “red.”