Politics on the Couch

Going Ape - a conversation about evolution, morality and political cooperation

May 27, 2024

Professor Nichola Raihani, an expert in evolution and behavior, discusses the motivations behind political cooperation, the evolution of society, and the dynamics of cooperation, altruism, and empathy in human societies. The conversation explores the role of culture, history, and evolution in shaping political organizations and societal values, providing insights into the fundamental fabric of politics and society.

49:46

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Episode guests

Nichola Raihani

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Quick takeaways

Human societies are shaped by the evolutionary drive for cooperation and collective action.

Cognitive empathy distinguishes humans in forming societies through understanding others' mental states.

Individuals extend moral regard based on social circles, influenced by factors like security and status.

Deep dives

Evolution of Cooperation and Collective Action

Cooperation and collective action have deep evolutionary roots, spanning from genes to societies. In human interactions, cooperation is driven by both altruistic motives and self-interest rooted in evolutionary advantages. Evolutionary pressures have favored cooperation for survival and reproduction, influencing human social behaviors and group formations.

The Value of Human Cooperation from an Evolutionary Perspective

01:17

The Source of Moral Regard

01:19

Finding the Sweet Spot in Societal Units

00:53

Evolution and Moral Judgment

01:05

Introduction

3min

The Evolutionary Perspective on Human Cooperation

9min

Exploring Circles of Moral Regard and Societal Trust

13min

Exploring the Evolution of Nation States and Cooperative Units

3min

Exploring Societal Stability and Moral Dilemmas

5min

Exploring Proximate Motives and Evolved Functions

14min

Perceptions and Online Discourse

5min

Concluding Remarks and Sponsor Advertisements

2min

In this edition host Rafael Behr talks to Nichola Raihani, Professor of Evolution and Behaviour in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland.

She's also the author of, 'The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World'

Professor Raihani has unique insight into a problem that has appeared in various forms on this podcast over the years.

It's a question of collective action, solidarity, and cooperation. What motivates people to form units of political organisation or cooperation?

Tribes, parties, whole nations—what holds them together and what drives them apart? Why do some societies tend to be democratic and some go despotic? Is it an accident of history? Climate? Culture? Religion? Evolution. This is the fabric of politics, the very stuff societies are made of at the most fundamental level, and Professor Rehani shines an evolutionary light on it all.

This podcast is produced by Philip Berman of Larchmont Productions

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