Things Hidden The Evolution of Morality and Religion
Jan 14, 2026
In this fascinating discussion, Jeff Schloss, a Professor of natural and behavioral sciences at Westmont College, delves into the intertwined evolution of morality and religion. He explores how cooperation and competition shaped human behavior, revealing the emergence of altruism and the role of language in fostering trust. Schloss also examines early religions, their functions in societal cohesion, and the evolution of moral deities. The conversation challenges listeners to reflect on the cognitive roots of morality and the impact of cultural evolution on faith.
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Competition And Cooperation Co‑Drive Evolution
- Evolution drives differential reproduction via competition and cooperation as two complementary strategies.
- Cooperation can increase fitness without sacrifice, opposing the simplistic 'survival of the fittest' narrative.
Human Cooperation Scales Beyond Kin
- Human cooperation uniquely extends beyond kin and known reciprocators to large-scale anonymous networks.
- This large-scale cooperation is an evolutionary outlier that undergirds complex societies.
Names And Language Made Reputation Work
- Language enabled indirect reciprocity by transmitting reputations across people who haven't met.
- Reputation systems plus names allow trust to scale across large societies.
