Interestingly, that fits with J-J Rousseau's perspective (which was
_not_ that humans are "blank slates," contrary to that fool Steven
Pinker). He saw us as having two basic instincts: self-preservation
and empathy for others.
A modern, one line description would be: humans cooperate to increase
inclusive fitness. [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inclusive_fitness
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_psychology#Inclusive_fitness>]
Our current crisis arises from our innate drive for social status.
"Status" is our most-powerful, culturally-determined (not physical like
sex) innate drive. People will even kill their own children for status
(e.g., honor killing).
In our society, positional goods (and money itself) determine one's
neighborhood status. I don't see any way that enough people will
voluntarily give up the status treadmill unless the economy completely
collapses. Which, unless a miracle occurs, is precisely what's going to
happen.
IMHO as a systems-engineer-type, evolutionary psychology is clear and
elegant. It explains our everyday observations.
Jay
=========
"Is it not reasonable to anticipate that our understanding of the human
mind would be aided greatly by knowing the purpose for which it was
designed?" -- George C. Williams, 1966, p. 16.
On 11/30/2010 9:00 AM, Jim Devine wrote:
Jay Hanson wrote:
Yes, common physical and mental characteristics across all humans. When
I use the term "human nature," I am using it as contemporary scientists
(biologists, etc.) use it. Humans are social animals, both competing and
cooperating simultaneously.
Interestingly, that fits with J-J Rousseau's perspective (which was
_not_ that humans are "blank slates," contrary to that fool Steven
Pinker). He saw us as having two basic instincts: self-preservation
and empathy for others.
_______________________________________________
pen-l mailing list
[email protected]
https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/pen-l
