A Great Blunder: Rationality, Intelligence and Evolution

Abstract

This paper examines the question of whether rationality can be a trait and, as such, the subject of evolution. After examining “rational choice” and “natural selection,” this paper establishes that are both are methods so that enable the organism to enjoy the best traits. Insofar as natural selection is a method and, hence, cannot be the subject of itself, rational choice is also a method and, hence, cannot be the subject of itself. Rationality cannot be chosen by rationality—and similarly cannot be selected by natural selection. As such, rationality cannot be a trait—a trait such as intelligence, memory, speed, color of hair, and so on. To assert that rationality evolves, similar to the evolution of intelligence or other traits, amounts to a great blunder.

Keywords: phenotypic plasticity, Modularity, Optimization, Method vs. Trait