If the idea of "natural selection" is applied to humans, then it would be illogical to help others while there is no benefit to oneself.
2006-08-30 07:41:16 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Natural selection is a process of mostly physicality when applied in the world. When applied to humans it is a bit tougher because of higher reasoning. For example a lot of people on welfare would be cut out by pure natural selection. Humanity is changing the course of their own evolution through conscious action. natural selection still applies but who can tell what is a more ideally suited person for our modern world environment?
2006-08-30 07:50:30 · answer #1 · answered by kyrant 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Altruism is at the heart of child-rearing. Human beings have one of the longest childhoods in all of the animal kingdom. In order for children to reach breeding age, parents have to oversee their growth and learning for over a decade. The generalization of this trait to other nearby creatures (other family/village members) would occur easily and lead to family groups that would most likely pass the trait on.
Remember, natural selection does not apply to oneself but to the survival of one's progeny.
2006-08-30 15:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From my A-Level psychology I can think of two reasons:
1. Reciprocation.
If you go out of your way to help someone, they are more likely to help you in the future. As the evolutionary theory hangs on an indivudal passing on it's genes to the next generation, ensuring future help when you need it will help you survive to pas on your genes. This form of altruism was shown in vampire bats.
2. Protection of family
As you and your family members share certain amounts of genetic information, if you protect them you're protecting your genetic information. As most animals stick to mostly 'family' units when in groups most indivduals seen by an animal will be family and worthy of protection(altruistic behaviour). This form of altrusim has been shown to exist in, I believe it was, a certain species of ground squirrel. Possible prairie dogs or similar.
2006-08-30 15:05:18 · answer #3 · answered by xandert_86 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Survival of other things that look like you. e.g. Lions.
First time people teamed up on an opponent instead of saying "that's not my job" altruism was born. We can rest assured it happened at one point because we are here.
2006-08-30 14:50:50 · answer #4 · answered by wnymathguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Natural, instinctive empathy and horror at seeing others get hurt
2006-08-30 14:43:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋