FYSP 181 - Selfishness or Altruism?

Semester Offered: First Semester
Credits (Range): 4 hours
Attribute: 4NS, WRi

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? We will explore these issues through discussion, writing exercises and independent projects. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Instructor: K. Tarvin
Prerequisites & Notes
P/NP Grading only.