This course explores the origins and evolution of human cooperative behavior, examining the distinctiveness of human cooperation compared to other animals. The learning outcomes include understanding the concept of altruism, exploring the role of genes and culture in human behavior, and analyzing the conditions necessary for altruistic behavior to emerge. Participants will also delve into topics such as human evolution, early networking, and the neurobiology of human behavior. The teaching method involves presentations by leading evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, and humanitarians, with discussions moderated by Alan Alda. This course is intended for individuals interested in evolutionary biology, anthropology, and the complexities of human behavior.
Overview
Syllabus
Alan Alda introduction
Participant Introductions
Lets define altruism
What happened from the time of Darwin to today
1930's film about chimps cooperating
Comparing humans social skills to chimps social skills
Is human behavior all genes?
Human evolution and early networking
The neurobiology of human behavior
What are the conditions necessary to have altruism?
What is the history of social creatures and definition of Eusociality
The group that camps has the advantage
Gene culture coevolution
Taught by
World Science Festival
