Disorder Ep63. Part 1: Does our biology facilitate our Global Disorder?
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Aug 27, 2024 
Harvey Whitehouse, Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion at Oxford, dives into the complexities of human behavior. He discusses how globalization and technology have paradoxically fueled tribalism and in-group hatred. Whitehouse explains the significance of understanding evolutionary biology in deciphering the allure of strong leaders like Trump and Putin. The conversation also touches on identity fusion, the decline in global religiosity, and its effects on governance and social cohesion, highlighting the interconnectedness of our evolutionary past with modern societal issues.
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Universal Morality
- Seven cooperative behaviors are considered morally good worldwide: helping kin, group loyalty, reciprocating favors, courage, deference to superiors, fair sharing, and respecting property.
- These shared moral foundations suggest morality isn't solely cultural but inherent to human nature.
Shifting Moral Emphasis
- While universal moral principles exist, their emphasis has shifted throughout history.
- The rise of Bronze Age civilizations amplified respect for authority and kinship, while the Axial Age emphasized reciprocity and fairness.
Evolution of Cooperation
- Collaborative moral principles are essential for large-scale societies.
- Humans with non-collaborative principles likely went extinct, highlighting the evolutionary advantage of cooperation.