22. The Impact of Evolutionary Thought on the Social Sciences

Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (EEB 122)
There is a distinct possibility that humans are currently part way through an evolutionary transition between individuals and groups. The conflict between these two units of selection and levels of organization, between biology and culture, may explain some of the tensions in modern human life. Examples of selfishness and altruism exemplify how these types of selection act on humans.
00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction
10:27 - Chapter 2. Transitions in Hierarchal Selection
19:18 - Chapter 3. Cooperation and Aggression
27:09 - Chapter 4. Group Norms
35:51 - Chapter 5. Patterns and Differences in Cultures' Selfishness
43:57 - Chapter 6. Redefinition of Social Boundaries
Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: open.yale.edu/c...
This course was recorded in Spring 2009.