Against Integration or Against Using Evolutionary Theory to Homogenize Psychology?

Abstract

This paper comments on an article by Derksen, who argues that the theory of evolution cannot unify the social sciences in general and psychology in particular. Derksen also elevates his ‘against integration’ argument to an in-principle level whereby he rejects integration as a solution to the problem of fragmentation. Where Derksen limits his arguments to evolutionary theory, they are welcome; however, where he elevates his arguments to an in-principle level, they become unmindful of a vast history on fragmentation and integration/unification. Derksen also implicitly defines integration as seamless homogeneity, which is only one definition of integration/unification used in the literature. Finally, his alternatives to integration are found to be lacking in detailed explanation and critical reflection.

Keywords

evolutionary psychology fragmentation integration pluralism unification

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