Science Archives

Partible Paternity: The Evidence of Natural Promiscuity?

What is partible paternity? Do cultures that practice partible paternity prove that humans are naturally promiscuous? In their book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá look to modern foraging societies that practice partible paternity (the idea that more than one man can be the biological father to a child) as evidence that humans are not meant to be monogamous. One group they cited as evidence is known as the Ye’kwana people. Continue below for Ryan and Jethá’s argument about partible paternity and promiscuity.

The Sociosexual Habits of Humans and Apes

What can the sociosexual habits of apes teach us about the evolution of human sexuality? Were the authors of Sex at Dawn right to compare the habits of humans and apes? In the book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá say they can disprove the standard narrative of human sexuality by looking at the sociosexual habits of great apes, specifically chimpanzees and bonobos. However, other scientists have questioned Ryan and Jethá’s conclusions. Keep reading for Ryan and Jethá’s findings.

What Male Genital Anatomy Says About Polygamy

What does male genital anatomy tell us about human sexuality? Is it proof that humans are wired to be polygamous? In their book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá discuss the male genital anatomy in relation to human mating behaviors. They back up their discussion with an examination of female copulatory vocalization. Here are Ryan and Jethá’s arguments.

Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Test as You Fly

What does the book Think Like a Rocket Scientist mean by “test as you fly”? How might you use this principle in your life? In Think Like a Rocket Scientist, Ozan Varol explains how rocket scientists test equipment in space-like conditions. Similarly, successful people test ideas and products. Varol shares three criteria for successful tests and two suggestions for testing your ideas rigorously. Keep reading to learn how to think like a rocket scientist and apply the test-as-you-fly principle to your own life, career, or business.

Learning From Failure: Lessons From Rocket Science

Do you want to know how to learn from failure? Do you get back up and go again, stronger and wiser than you were before? “Failure is not an option.“ You’ve probably heard that phrase in connection with the Apollo 13 Moon landing mission. That’s the attitude of rocket scientists when lives are at stake. In all other cases, failure is not only an option, it’s a valued learning experience. Read more to understand how to learn from failure.

How to Overcome Bias When It Gets in Your Way

Is bias holding you back from achieving your goals? How can you overcome bias? Everyone has biases of one kind or another. Those who strive to achieve great things have to find a way to overcome bias so that it doesn’t get in the way of clear thinking and action. Author and former rocket scientist Ozan Varol suggests two ways you can get these blind spots out of your way. Read more to learn how to overcome bias.

To Make Big Leaps, Get Comfortable With Uncertainty

How comfortable with uncertainty are you? Is a fear of uncertainty holding you back? Uncertainty plays a crucial role in science because things often don’t conform to scientists’ expectations. When things don’t go according to plan, scientists learn something new. They are comfortable with uncertainty, because they know it can lead to amazing discoveries. Read more to learn how comfort with uncertainty can lead to big things in your own life.

How SpaceX Used Reasoning From First Principles

What is reasoning from first principles? How can you use this kind of thinking to achieve the impossible? Elon Musk used reasoning from first principles to find a new way to get to space. First-principles thinking is a way to abandon the status quo and question everything until you get to the core of the matter. You, too, can use this type of thinking to reach huge goals. Continue reading to learn how to use reasoning from first principles.

The 6 Hats Theory: Adapt Your Thinking to the Situation

What is Edward de Bono’s 6 hats theory? What are the six types of thinking represented by the six hats? Psychologist Edward de Bono published Six Thinking Hats in 1985, but his concepts still hold up today. He uses his 6 hats theory to represent the six different types of thinking: metacognitive, data-focused, emotional, critical, constructive, and creative. Keep reading to learn about de Bono’s 6 hats thinking theory.

Confidence Development: Is It Nature or Nurture?

How does confidence develop? Is confidence primarily a matter of nature or nurture? Confidence isn’t a matter of nature versus nurture—both our biology and our environment affect us and neither will win out. While up to 50% of confidence might be determined by our genes, that doesn’t mean that any of us are doomed to be under-confident. In this article, we’ll take a look at the role of genetics and environment in confidence development.