Evolution of Behavior Exploration of nature is not primarily about evolution of human anatomy, but human behavioral evolution. Understanding behavioral evolution. Central Issue: The Question of Altruism What altruism means in biology and why it poses crucial problems. Kin selection, inclusive fitness, reciprocal altruism, and multi-level selection. Cheaters, freeloaders, and punishment” “altruistic Misunderstanding and misrepresenting selfish gene” “the Read: Fuentes, Chapters 1 and 2 (note especially pp. 24-26 of Chapter 2) de Waal, Chapters 1 and 2 For March 6, Commentary on Evolution Right” “Getting Page on opening thoughts/questions/discussion points on human exceptionalism Weeks 6-8: Humans within the Web of Life What ain’t true #5: Humans stand apart from all other living things What kind of beings are we? One of the great achievements in the history of science has been dramatic new work in genetics. Contemporary knowledge of DNA demonstrates that in fact all life on earth is interconnected. Yes, we are related even to sponges, but we can’t take on our relationships with all living beings. So we start with our position in the animal kingdom more specifically by considering what it means for us to be primates. Ape Genius, VIV (Very Important Video) Read: Fuentes, Chapter 4 (ok, focus on pp. 64-68, note also p. 108 on primate plasticity) de Waal, Chapters 3 Roots of Empathy, Sympathy (and does compassion follow?) What ain’t true #6: Only humans have thoughts and emotions Animal intelligence, the kindness of mice, elephants, dolphins, self-awareness, theory of mind, mirror neurons, shared attention, shared intention. Maybe we’re not as special and noble as we claim when we insist we’re than “better animals.” Read: de Waal, Chapters 4 and 5
Evolution of Behavior Exploration of nature is not primarily about evolution of human anatomy, but human behavioral evolution. Understanding behavioral evolution. Central Issue: The Question of Altruism What altruism means in biology and why it poses crucial problems. Kin selection, inclusive fitness, reciprocal altruism, and multi-level selection. Cheaters, freeloaders, and “altruistic punishment” Misunderstanding and misrepresenting “the selfish gene” Read: Fuentes, Chapters 1 and 2 (note especially pp. 24-26 of Chapter 2) de Waal, Chapters 1 and 2 For March 6, Commentary on “Getting Evolution Right” Page on opening thoughts/questions/discussion points on human exceptionalism Weeks 6-8: Humans within the Web of Life What ain’t true #5: Humans stand apart from all other living things What kind of beings are we? One of the great achievements in the history of science has been dramatic new work in genetics. Contemporary knowledge of DNA demonstrates that in fact all life on earth is interconnected. Yes, we are related even to sponges, but we can’t take on our relationships with all living beings. So we start with our position in the animal kingdom more specifically by considering what it means for us to be primates. Ape Genius, VIV (Very Important Video) Read: Fuentes, Chapter 4 (ok, focus on pp. 64-68, note also p. 108 on primate plasticity) de Waal, Chapters 3 Roots of Empathy, Sympathy (and does compassion follow?) What ain’t true #6: Only humans have thoughts and emotions Animal intelligence, the kindness of mice, elephants, dolphins, self-awareness, theory of mind, mirror neurons, shared attention, shared intention. Maybe we’re not as special and noble as we claim when we insist we’re “better than animals.” Read: de Waal, Chapters 4 and 5