FYSP 181 - Selfishness or Altruism? The Evolution of Sociality in Humans and Other Animals

4 NS, WRi
First Semester. This course explores the ability of evolutionary theory to explain social behavior in humans and other animals. Can natural selection favor cooperation in non-human animals in spite of their “selfish genes”? Perhaps so, but can evolutionary theory account for elaborate social phenomena that seem restricted to humans–for example, religion, economic exchange, and political alliances? Discussions of these and other topics will lead us to ask “Are humans truly unique?”

Prerequisites & Notes
Note: P/NP grading only.
Enrollment Limit: 14.
Mr. Tarvin

Credits: 4 hours