Cooperative Alliances in Evolutionary Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts of cooperation and altruism as discussed in the lecture on Evolutionary Psychology.

Cooperation

Widespread evidence for joint efforts in psychology and animal behavior, where individuals help each other.

Altruism

A form of helping behavior that provides a unilateral benefit to the recipient, decreasing the helper's own fitness.

Cooperative Behavior

Helping that provides mutual benefits, increasing direct fitness for both partners involved.

Self-serving Behavior

A behavior that independently increases the actor’s fitness, regardless of the recipient's outcome.

Public Good

A behavior that benefits two or more recipients, in addition to potentially benefiting the actor.

Theory of Reciprocal Altruism

The theory positing that adaptations for providing benefits to non-relatives can evolve if benefits are reciprocated in the future.

Indirect Reciprocity

Receiving help through third parties, creating a mutual exchange benefit over time.

Conditional Behavioral Options

Strategies that depend on the individual’s assessment of the circumstances and potential responses of others.

Prisoner's Dilemma

A situation in game theory illustrating cooperation and defection choices and their respective payoffs.

Tit for Tat

An iterative strategy in the prisoner’s dilemma where one cooperates initially and then reciprocates the opponent's last move.

Costly Signaling Theory

The concept that individuals show altruism to signal their potential as reliable allies, thereby enhancing their status.

Social Contract Theory

A theory explaining cooperative behavior and the evolutionary advantages of detecting and avoiding cheaters.

Cognitive Capacities for Cheating Detection

Five skills that help humans recognize cheaters and promote successful social exchanges.

Empathy in Friendship

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is vital in maintaining relationships.

Altruistic Punishment

The act of punishing non-cooperators to benefit the group, enhancing the overall social contract.