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A systems view on revenge and forgiveness systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2012

Tyler J. Wereha
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada. tjw4@sfu.catracine@sfu.ca
Timothy P. Racine
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada. tjw4@sfu.catracine@sfu.ca

Abstract

Applying a non-developmental evolutionary metatheory to understanding the evolution of psychological capacities leads to the creation of models that mischaracterize developmental processes, misattribute genes as the source of developmental information, and ignore the myriad developmental and contextual factors involved in human decision-making. Using an evolutionary systems perspective, we argue that revenge and forgiveness cannot be understood apart from the development of foundational human psychological capacities and the contexts under which they develop.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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