Washington prof to lecture on aggression, evolution
ESU Media Relations
Originally published 02:18 p.m., April 17, 2008
Updated 02:18 p.m., April 17, 2008
A common human failing is to punish a person for the sins of someone else. Social scientists call the phenomenon “redirected aggression,” behavior in which frustration manifests itself not against the true cause of troubles, but against a target of convenience.
An internationally known expert on the theory of redirected aggression will discuss the concept during appearances at Emporia State University next week. David Barash, professor of psychology and zoology at the University of Washington, will discuss some ideas — from sociobiology, neurobiology, psychology, even anthropology, theology, politics and literature — that provide a useful way of thinking about violence in people as well as animals.
Barash’s lecture, “Passing the Pain Along: Exploring the Roots of Violence,” is sponsored by ESU’s departments of biological sciences, social sciences, and psychology and special education. He will speak at 7 p.m. Monday in Albert Taylor Hall in Plumb Hall.
Before his evening address, Barash will present “The Hare and the Tortoise: The Conflict between Cultural and Biological Evolution,” at 4 p.m. in ESU’s Science Hall, Room 72.
Both lectures are open to the public.