Chapter
The Origins of Incest Taboos
02:13 - 09:35 (07:21)
The theory that humans have no natural aversion towards incest, and instead invented it for good reasons. The extent to which each species tries to avoid it depends on how much they try to avoid it, and not based on what seems gross or creepy to them.
Clips
Throughout history and in many cultures, cousin marriages have been widely accepted, whereas sexual relations with nuclear family members is generally taboo.
02:13 - 05:07 (02:53)
Summary
Throughout history and in many cultures, cousin marriages have been widely accepted, whereas sexual relations with nuclear family members is generally taboo.
ChapterThe Origins of Incest Taboos
EpisodeKissing Cousins: A History of Marrying Family
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The theory that sexual aversion is a cultural construct invented by humans is explored by examining the behaviors of animals, and how different species handle sexual encounters.
05:07 - 08:44 (03:37)
Summary
The theory that sexual aversion is a cultural construct invented by humans is explored by examining the behaviors of animals, and how different species handle sexual encounters. The avoidance of incestuous relationships varies based on the species, and in humans, cultural factors also play a role.
ChapterThe Origins of Incest Taboos
EpisodeKissing Cousins: A History of Marrying Family
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Jonathan Haidt uses an example of incest between a brother and sister to demonstrate how people have a moral instinct that cannot always be explained logically.
08:44 - 09:35 (00:51)
Summary
Jonathan Haidt uses an example of incest between a brother and sister to demonstrate how people have a moral instinct that cannot always be explained logically.