The social implications of evolutionary psychology: Linking brain biochemistry, toxins, and violent crime.

Author: Masters RD.

Source: Evolutionary Psychology and Violence: A Primer for Policymakers and Public Policy Advocates

Year: 2003

Comment:

The author notes, "To illustrate a policy derived from this approach, I have proposed a moratorium on injecting fluosilicic acid or sodium silicofluoride in a public water supply until extensive testing proves their safety."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“Social scientists who dismiss evolutionary psychology seem unaware that a revolution in neuroscience and other areas of biology has taken place over the last halfcentury. The estimate of 83 million Americans taking drugs like Prozac for depression and 11 million children on Ritalin for hyperactivity indicate it is time to reconsider the role of brain chemistry in social behavior and violent behavior. As evolutionary psychology demonstrates, aggressive impulses are an integral part of the primate behavioral repertoire. Since it is obvious that loss of impulse control can contribute to violent outbursts and evidence shows that some toxic chemicals (such as lead) can have this effect, it is time to consider neuroscientific evidence linking environmental toxins and rates of violent behavior.”

Citation:

Masters RD. The social implications of evolutionary psychology: Linking brain biochemistry, toxins, and violent crime. Evolutionary Psychology and Violence: A Primer for Policymakers and Public Policy Advocates. Westwood: Praeger; 2003: 23-56.