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The Altruism Paradox

The Altruism Paradox. Vinayak Ranade 9.20: Animal Behavior Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Darwinian Puzzles and Altruism. What is construed as altruism and what is an “Altruism Problem”? “self-sacrifice for the benefit of other individuals” Contradictory to natural selection.

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The Altruism Paradox

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  1. The Altruism Paradox Vinayak Ranade 9.20: Animal Behavior Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  2. Darwinian Puzzles and Altruism • What is construed as altruism and what is an “Altruism Problem”? • “self-sacrifice for the benefit of other individuals” • Contradictory to natural selection

  3. Reciprocal Altruism • Definition • I scratch your back, you scratch mine • Risk • Reciprocal scratching not guaranteed! • Good Samaritan Behavior • Examples • Meerkats, other cooperative societies • Counterexamples • Eusocial organisms

  4. Eusocial Organisms • Bees, ants, termites, naked-mole-rats • Classic Altruism Problem

  5. Kin Selection and Group Selection • Hamilton’s Rule • rB > C • E. O. Wilson • Kin Selection is flawed! • Species > Individual • Examples • Bees, Ants

  6. Genetic Fitness • Inclusive Fitness • George C Williams • The Selfish Gene • Examples • European wood ants • Naked mole rats • Wasps

  7. Accidental Altruism • Intentional and Unintentional Altruism • Law of unintended consequences • How can we tell the difference? • Examples • Yellow-billed cuckoo

  8. Zahavi’s Theory • Ability to incur cost  fitness  mating! • Different approach • Donating alms to a beggar => lots of resources => better mate • Examples • Arabian Babbler • Humans (?)

  9. Comparing the Models • Some species fit only one model • Some species fit multiple models • Most species fit William-Hamilton model • Is there one unified model which can explain all altruism problems? • WAM! (Weighted Altruism Model)

  10. Conclusion • Is there a best model? • Hamilton-Williams • Unified Altruism Theory? • Could it work? • Special cases • Only one theory applies • All theories apply • Ultimate Goals • Understanding human behavior • Implications of destroying altruism

  11. Study Questions • What is the altruism paradox? • What are some of the explanations for altruism problems? • Why is the genetic fitness theory favored over others? • How can we unify all the ideas for solving altruism problems? • And last but not least…

  12. Comparative Sociobiology(ists?)

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