By Jennifer Link, Master’s student in Psychological Science
Darwin’s birthday (celebrated as Darwin Day around the world as a tribute to Darwin’s influence on the modern world), on February 12th of this year, marked the 211th year since Darwin was born. Throughout his life he was able to create a new way of looking at the world that both challenged the views of the day and enlightened the scientists of his time. In celebration of this momentous occasion, the Hudson Valley Humanists held an annual event at the community center in New Paltz, NY.
Invited to this event, for the fourth straight year, was the SUNY New Paltz evolutionary psychology lab, a group dedicated to furthering Darwin’s life’s work and educating the public on the ways that evolutionary theory could be applied to human behavior and psychology. A selection of members of the lab presented on various topics related to this area of inquiry. Facilitated by symposium chair Jen Link, the event included presentations on evaluations of the reasons we like nature (presented by Kaelyn Marks), an evolutionary history of the bond between humans and animals (presented by Jen Link), the adaptation of socio- and psycho- pathologies (presented by Julie Planke), the social and moral emotions (presented by Alex Mackiel), and an evolutionary approach to the way that humans react to betrayal (presented by lab director and Professor of Psychology, Glenn Geher).
Many of the talks and presentations led to spirited discussions regarding the current state of affairs in the United States, and how examining certain aspects of human behavior with an evolutionary lens may help us better understand the various people and events influencing our country today. After the presentations, both presenters and attendees alike were able to indulge in Darwin-fish-shaped cookies, soda, and birthday cake. There was even a surprise appearance by Charles Darwin himself, who posed for pictures with the presenters and celebrated his birthday with attendees.
The main organizing for this event was done by Hudson Valley Humanist member Tiya Cotter along with several other members of this organization.
