

270. Deception and Psychopathy | Robert Trivers
19 snips Jul 14, 2022
Robert Trivers, an influential evolutionary biologist, dives into the complexities of reciprocal altruism and self-deception. He explores how deception can be an adaptive strategy in personal relationships and social dynamics. The discussion touches on genuine victimhood, the psychological toll of confronting uncomfortable truths, and the ethical dilemmas tied to deception. Trivers also examines the role of aggression and competence in attraction, shedding light on the psychological complexities of trust and fidelity.
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Reciprocal Altruism and Cheating
- Reciprocal altruism involves acts that benefit another, expecting future reciprocation.
- This system is vulnerable to cheaters who accept benefits but don't reciprocate equally.
An Altruistic Act
- Robert Trivers sought to understand human reciprocity for his paper.
- A graduate student's paper provided the information, exemplifying altruism.
Passive Self-Deception
- People often avoid confronting contradictory evidence, manifesting as emotional cues.
- Dismissing these cues is a form of passive self-deception.