Human attractiveness is an evolutionary adaptation

[-Luca]

Is it wrong to assume that human physical attractiveness is an evolutionary adaptation. I imagine it working in a social context. The benefits of a high perceived attractiveness is an easier life and higher chance of survival and an increase in the social hierarchy. Even in God's plan, whether he likes it or not, isn't this phenomenon happening at some level....at least anyway?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Is it wrong to assume that human physical attractiveness is an evolutionary adaptation. I imagine it working in a social context. The benefits of a high perceived attractiveness is an easier life and higher chance of survival and an increase in the social hierarchy. Even in God's plan, whether he likes it or not, isn't this phenomenon happening at some level....at least anyway?

I don't know that I'd necessarily say that "attractiveness" leads to an easier (let alone happier) life and survival rate.

 

[The IbanezerScrooge]

No, it's not wrong. What we consider to be attractive is certainly shaped by our evolutionary development. Attractive people are more successful in just about every aspect of life that has an evolutionary implication, IMO (i.e. reproduction, social standing, etc.)

 

[-Luca]

I don't know that I'd necessarily say that "attractiveness" leads to an easier (let alone happier) life and survival rate.

Of course I understand that the statement, "easier life" is quite vague, try to ignore it because I am focusing more on the whether there is an actual drive for evolutionary drive rather than what we define by an easier life

 

[DaisyDay]

I don't know that I'd necessarily say that "attractiveness" leads to an easier (let alone happier) life and survival rate.

But attractiveness does mean a better chance at reproduction and passing one's genes along.

But "attractiveness" seems pretty arbitrary. Warthogs find other warthogs attractive.

 

[-Luca]

But attractiveness does mean a better chance at reproduction and passing one's genes along.

But "attractiveness" seems pretty arbitrary. Warthogs find other warthogs attractive.

Okay but social hierarchies are obviously going to be more profound in human society than warthog society. And also, the scale of this phenomenon may not be global, but of course it can be reduced to smaller communities, or be unique to certain cultures.

 

[AV1611VET]

Is it wrong to assume that human physical attractiveness is an evolutionary adaptation.

Yes.

I imagine it working in a social context.

It's what you do with it that counts.

 

[DaisyDay]

Okay but social hierarchies are obviously going to be more profound in human society than warthog society.

Why obviously or at all?

And also, the scale of this phenomenon may not be global, but of course it can be reduced to smaller communities, or be unique to certain cultures.

Are you saying that different communities have differing norms of attractiveness?

 

[-Luca]

Yes.It's what you do with it that counts.

I am not concerned about the mechanism behind it, I simply want to understand the answer or outcome, which is whether there is an evolutionary drive for it...which I think does

 

[-Luca]

Are you saying that different communities have differing norms of attractiveness?

Of course, different communities have different standards for beauty

 

[lsume]

Is it wrong to assume that human physical attractiveness is an evolutionary adaptation. I imagine it working in a social context. The benefits of a high perceived attractiveness is an easier life and higher chance of survival and an increase in the social hierarchy. Even in God's plan, whether he likes it or not, isn't this phenomenon happening at some level....at least anyway?

Isa.53
[1] Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
[2] For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

 

[-Luca]

Isa.53
[1] Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
[2] For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

what are you on about? Can you state your point rather than posting scripture please because sometimes it requires interpretation

 

[timothyu]

There certainly isn't much 'attractiveness' among the elites. No wonder they use power and wealth, fashion and commodities as a substitute .

 

[-Luca]

There certainly isn't much 'attractiveness' among the elites. No wonder they use power and wealth, fashion and commodities as a substitute .

Okay...but it doesn't mean that it doesn't occur on some level..

 

[timothyu]

Of course, different communities have different standards for beauty

As a photographer one is drawn to tiny aspects of beauty regardless of the ugliness that may surround it. That applies to humans also. It is also interesting that as one ages beauty in beholding a person become less discerning and more broadly seen.

 

[timothyu]

Okay...but it doesn't mean that it doesn't occur on some level.

Ever notice how many mates resemble each other. Many even seem to do so the older they get. We see as beautiful what we are familiar with.

Oh... and attractiveness or beauty can be a person's character, not looks.

 

[RileyG]

Is it wrong to assume that human physical attractiveness is an evolutionary adaptation. I imagine it working in a social context. The benefits of a high perceived attractiveness is an easier life and higher chance of survival and an increase in the social hierarchy. Even in God's plan, whether he likes it or not, isn't this phenomenon happening at some level....at least anyway?

I was taught this, yes.

 

[Chesterton]

The benefits of a high perceived attractiveness is an easier life and higher chance of survival and an increase in the social hierarchy.

In my experience, it's the exact opposite. My extremely high perceived attractiveness has made things harder. It's always caused me innumerable problems, and has nearly cost me my life several times. As far as social hierarchy, it depends on the society. Among Hollywood elites, I might be admired. Among normal decent people who represent the majority, I'm a scumbag.

 

[AV1611VET]

I am not concerned about the mechanism behind it, I simply want to understand the answer or outcome, which is whether there is an evolutionary drive for it...which I think does

Are you asking if human attractiveness is allele-driven?

 

[timothyu]

My extremely high perceived attractiveness has made things harder.

This is true. Ask any attractive person, especially a female, who have not chosen to use their looks to their material advantage, whether beauty can be a curse, especially with the expectations put upon them.