The Evolution of Cooperation

Liberalism assumes that people prefer cooperation over conflict, a major flaw in the theory (Lecture 4, 9/15/2015). History proves that many wars have begun over petty conflicts. In order to keep peace in today’s complex world, Obama discusses how “the world need[s] institutions to prevent another…

truths. It is this grasp that debunking arguments contend is impossible, whether because our mental capacities and moral beliefs are distorted by evolution or by something else. But FitzPatrick says that evolution does not necessarily distort our capacity to grasp moral reality. It is reasonable, he says, to assume that we evolved mechanisms (such as cooperation) that both allow us to live longer and allow us to form a correct understanding of morality (17-18). Is it equally plausible that we…

regarding human nature that can be understood based on evolution. The evolutionary theory is central and key to facilitating the understanding of a wide range of aspects regarding human nature. The theory has, over the decades, registered major transformations and changes, an aspect that provides proof of evolution influencing human nature. According to scholars that have conducted in depth investigations into the issue of influence of evolution on the nature of human beings, the following…

This evolution takes place through changes in neural or brain mechanisms, hormonal changes, and patterns of learning, thereby revealing physiological and behavioral systems evolving in concert with one another (Beecher-Monas & Garcia-Rill, 2006). An example of this behavioral evolutionary process is the “fight or flight” response that humans have been genetically disposed to in order for early man to be able to escape dangerous predators. This stress response filled the human body with…

selection. Multilevel selection recognizes two levels of natural selection: individual selection and group selection. Individual selection is based on competition and cooperation among members of the same group, whereas group selection arises from competition and cooperation between groups. Multilevel…

undeserved interplay of coincidences. In his line of reasoning, one cannot simply reap the fruits of their initial position in society and its repercussions, without realizing that everything they consider set and given is shaped by continuous change/evolution and can…

were able to invent many creations that are useful for mankind. Harari does not forget to address the other side of the argument. He claims that there are also terrible effects that came from this cooperation such as prisons and concentration…

take place in countries where there is respect for the universal values this institution (the UN) is supposed to defend” (President Obama 2015, pg.11). Although the overriding similarity between both leaders ideal’s worlds is that there is more cooperation within in, there are some smaller differences between each other’s ideal societies that should looked…

used peer assessments and self- reports distinguishing the role of cooperation, identifiability, shared responsibility…

In theory, cooperation through strong reciprocity would persist since its benefits outweigh the cost of punishing others, but this behavior could only be sustained to a certain frequency (Henrich 80). In addition, the presence of second-order free riders, those individuals…