Evolutionary psychology of art

In this thesis I concern with a phenomenon of art within field of evolutio-nary psychology. This phenomenon apparently exceeds the functional and as such it "cries out for an explanation". I explain that evolutionary theories of art consider art in the light of scientific attempt to understand human nature. And in accord with those I ask, why art exists at all or why it is so prevalent in hu-man behavior. There are many evolutionary accounts of art. Yet, I will focus on four of the foremost evolutionary theories of and their proponents: (1) art as not an adaptation, but a byproduct of the evolution of human brain by natural selec-tion (Steven Pinker); (2) art as a product not of natural selection but of sexual selection (Geoffrey Miller); (3) art as an adaptation of social cohesion (Ellen Dis-sanayake) or (4) art as an adaptation of individual mental organization (John Tooby and Leda Cosmides). In the research part of the thesis I further examine one of the above men-tioned theories. Two hypothesis based on Millers theory are outlined and tested empirically in a form of personal ads. Results show, that neither more nor younger women answer to those ads which contain expression of artistic talent though. Thus they do not support Millers theory. Discussion summariz-es possible reasons for such outcome as well..