When can cultural selection explain adaptation?

Abstract Cultural selection models aim to explain cultural phenomena as the products of a selective process, often characterising institutions, practices, norms or behaviours adaptations. I argue that lack attention has been paid explanatory power frameworks. Arguments for frequently depend on demonstrating only can in principle be applied culture, rather than explicitly payoffs could arise from their application. Understanding when and how generates powerful explanations is crucial evaluating selection, well realising its promised epistemic practical benefits. ability ‘design without designer’ successful explanations. introduce strategy comparing goal-directed agent accounts order evaluate provide distinctive payoffs, drawing two case studies illustrate benefits this strategy. focus which cannot explained through intention agency-based particular fruitful avenue identifying cases where insightfully applied.