The Trajectory David Sloan Wilson - Darwinian Forces Shape the Earth Superorganism (Worthy Successor, Episode 18)
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Dec 26, 2025 
David Sloan Wilson, an evolutionary biologist renowned for his insights into culture and cooperation, discusses groundbreaking concepts. He explores how Darwinism transcends genetics, highlighting cultural inheritance's role in human adaptability. Wilson argues for a future of global cooperation and prosocial principles, suggesting that early selection of such traits is vital. They also delve into the complexities of AI as an evolving system and emphasize ethical stewardship of both Earth and potential extraterrestrial environments. This conversation reshapes our understanding of flourishing societies.
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Darwinism Beyond Genes
- Darwinism applies to any system with variation, selection, and heredity beyond genes, including culture and AI.
- David Sloan Wilson calls this a rebroadening beyond the modern synthesis toward generalized evolution.
Culture As An Inheritance System
- Human culture is a fast inheritance system transmitting learned information across generations.
- Cultural traditions functionally replicate and adapt like genetic systems, enabling rapid adaptation.
Jain Ascetics As Social Enforcers
- David uses Jain ascetics as an example where seemingly maladaptive beliefs support group cohesion.
- Ascetics serve social enforcement roles that enhance the group's cooperative success.