#37: Race, Monogamy, and Other Lies They Told You, Second Edition Busting Myths about Human Nature (second edition) with Agustín Fuentes

Prof. Fuentes is an anthropologist whose research focuses on the biosocial, delving into the entanglement of biological systems with the social and cultural lives of humans, our ancestors, and a few of the other animals with whom humanity shares close relations.

From chasing monkeys in jungles and cities, to exploring the lives of our evolutionary ancestors, to examining human health, behaviour, and diversity across the globe, Professor Fuentes is interested in both the big questions and the small details of what makes humans and our close relations tick.

I had the pleasure of speaking with him about his book, Race, Monogamy, and Other Lies They Told You: Busting Myths about Human Nature (second edition)

Some of the topics we discussed includes: 

• Why is busting myths about human nature something that requires so much effort? and why are they so resilient?
• Is science the best way to test for knowledge and explanations?
• Why is the view that humans 'are just the way we are' too simplistic of a view?
• What is Genetic Determinism and what is the the common belief around it?
• Diminishing the myths of DNA
• Where does the perception of racial differences come from?
• The myth of sickle cell disease and its association of people from West African descent.
• Even though humans cannot be divided into biological sub categories, how does the perception of race affect biology?
• How is the belief of aggression being a part of human nature, context dependant and not a trait that is within our genes as many assume?
• What actions can one take to tackle myths and half truths in the future when they do come across them?

The Book and Audiobook:  Race, Monogamy, and Other Lies They Told You: Busting Myths about Human Nature (second edition) is out now.

You can also find out more about Agustin on his website https://afuentes.com

or follow him on Twitter @Anthrofuentes




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