Abstract

Cultural evolution is the theory of evolution by means of natural selectionSelection in the realm of culture. The development of cultural evolution over the last few decades has gained great importance. In this chapter, I analyze Jean Gayon’s critical analysis of what he calls the “modes” of cultural evolution (Gayon, 23:139–150, 2005). These “modes”, for Gayon, are sets of research programs inspired by the same paradigmParadigm; they take for granted the existence of a close relationship between biological and human social phenomena. In addition, each of these modes seeks to connect the biological, the social, and even the physical sciences. One of the main differences between these modes is the importance they give to biology in anthropology. Since cultural evolution has grown into a field of great importance today, reflecting on Gayon’s critical appraisal regarding the strengths and weaknesses of these modes takes on a particular relevance. In conclusion I put forward some of my own criticisms of the work of Gayon regarding his assessment of the modes of cultural evolution; I suggest that a new study carried out in the spirit of the one undertaken by Gayon in 2005 could make a major contribution to the development of CE theory.