ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a theory of homicide that departs from prior explanations for the taking of human life. Homicide Adaptation Theory proposes that humans possess adaptations whose evolved function is conspecific killing. Homicide Adaptation Theory proposes that there are multiple, different psychological adaptations for homicide, each of which is devoted to the solution of different kinds of adaptive problems. Homicide Adaptation Theory is fundamentally a coevolutionary theory of adaptations that produce lethal aggression and counter-adaptations to defend against being killed. The estimates of homicide rates are likely substantial underestimates of the true prevalence of homicide and attempted homicide in modern populations. Psychological theories of homicide often invoke general learning mechanisms combined with the plagues of modern living: media violence, modern society, the purchase by parents of toy weapons for their children. Evidence from studies of homicidal fantasies suggests that some of the content of homicide mechanisms is available to conscious awareness.
