Cooperation and Altruism Notes

Cooperation and Altruism

  • Introduction
    • The lecture explores human cooperation, altruism, and cheating.
    • References headlines from nytimes.com to observe human behavior.

Cooperation and Tribalism

  • E.O. Wilson's Perspective
    • Focuses on inclusive fitness.
    • Groups that bonded firmly against outsiders had greater reproductive success.
    • This is termed as EPM (Evolutionary Psychological Mechanism) = Tribalism.
    • Tribalism fosters both cooperation and lack of cooperation.

Religion and Cooperation

  • Religion as a Binding Force
    • Religion is described as the most potent binding force in human cultures (adaptation).
    • Religious faith yields benefits, including moral codes that promote care for the vulnerable.
  • Critique of Religion (Wilson & Dawkins)
    • Wilson notes religions can be sources of suffering and impede solutions to real-world social problems.
    • Dawkins argues religion fuels wars, subverts science, encourages fanaticism, and fosters bigotry.

Paleolithic Emotions and God-like Technology

  • The Core Problem (E.O. Wilson)
    • Humans possess Paleolithic emotions coupled with god-like technology, creating a dangerous combination.
    • Addresses philosophical questions about human origins, identity, and destiny.
  • Humanism as an Antidote
    • Wilson suggests humanism based on science as an effective antidote to the toxic mix of religion and tribalism.

Technology and Tribalism

  • Jack Dorsey's View on Twitter
    • Twitter aims to help the world recognize shared problems and end nationalism.
    • The internet's promise involves proactive problem-solving through international dialogue.
  • Questions Raised
    • Can technology help overcome tribalism?
    • Can technology facilitate international dialogue?

Politics as the New Religion

  • Secular Polarization
    • Politics in secular countries like the U.S. may function as a new form of religion.
    • Echo chambers intensify divisions (US vs. THEM).
    • Signaling becomes extreme.

Human Cooperation

  • Context-Specific Cooperation
    • Humans are relatively cooperative within small groups.
    • Cooperation is context-specific and essential for survival.
  • Bases of Group Formation
    • Examples: Country, sex, state, religion, gender, family, race, sexual orientation, team support, political party, department.
    • These form cooperative alliances.

Altruism

  • Definition
    • Disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Examples of Altruism

  • Subway Hero Example
    • A construction worker becomes a subway hero.
  • Organ Donation
    • One donor can save or help 50 people.
    • High awareness (98% in the U.S.), but only ~30% have signed donor cards.
    • Considers the cost to the individual vs. benefit to others.

Altruism and Inclusive Fitness

  • Observations
    • Humans commonly provide benefits to others at their own expense.
  • Inclusive Fitness Theory
    • Altruism among genetic relatives can be explained.
  • Altruism with Non-relatives
    • Raises the question of how altruism with non-relatives is selected for.

Hypothetical Scenario

  • Note-Sharing Dilemma
    • Asks how likely someone is to share notes when they missed class due to illness.
    • Explores feelings if a classmate declines to provide notes.
    • Considers differences in feelings based on who declines.

Theory of Reciprocal Altruism

  • Reciprocal Altruism in Evolution
    • EPM (Evolutionary Psychological Mechanism) for providing benefits to non-relatives
    • Benefits are reciprocated in the future, increasing fitness.
    • Cooperation leads to greater survival than noncooperation.
  • Quid Pro Quo