The Evolutionary Account

This chapter explores the evolutionary account of sexual difference. It has two principal purposes: First, it presents a brief summary of the philosophical foundations that often undergird evolutionary explanations. This summary is provided primarily by considering the naturalistic allegiances of evolutionary psychologist Steven Pinker. Next, it develops the work of Chap. 2 by presenting the prevailing scientific account of human sexual difference. As such, it offers elements of explanation that will be accepted, to some degree, within the accounts of other schools of thought. A summary is given first of the origins of sexual difference considered simply, and then expanded to include the development of human sexual difference. Explanation is offered not only of morphological differences between the human female and male, but also of possible evolutionary mechanisms underpinning the development of observed psychological and behavioral differences.