Abstract
This article examines how evolutionary theory is relevant to constructivist psychology. Specifically, Donald T. Campbell's evolutionary epistemology is used as a framework for examining five issues facing constructivism: (1) realism, (2) cognitivism, (3) relativism, (4) dualism, and (5) social constructionism. It is suggested that a nuanced application of evolutionary epistemology facilitates fresh ways for constructivists to accommodate these issues. In so doing, it can help constructivism to coherently bridge the personal, social, and biological aspects of human knowledge development.
Acknowledgments
Portions of this article were presented on July 21, 2006, as a presidential address at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network in San Marcos, California.
I would like to thank Bob Neimeyer, Sara Bridges, Caroline Stanley, Kisa Weihs, Laurie Morano, Franz Epting, Mark Paris, Alice Andrews, Glenn Geher, and Rue Cromwell. However, I am especially indebted to Jay Efran, whose comments were particularly instructive in the selection and retention of blind variations necessary to the article's successful evolution.