Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-ndw9j Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-03T01:41:19.370Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Ultrasociality, class, threat, and intentionality in human society

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2016

Roger A. McCain*
Affiliation:
School of Economics, Lebow College of Business, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104. [email protected]://www.pages.drexel.edu/~mccainra/

Abstract

Gowdy & Krall neglect an important aspect of human societies, which is that class systems are not genetically based but rather based on threat. In turn, threat presupposes intentionality, so seems to distinguish human from arthropod ultrasociality. Class systems, in turn, seem to explain the distinctive mixture of persistence and instability characteristic of human, but not arthropod, ultrasocial populations.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Amin, S. (1989) Eurocentrism. Monthly Review Press.Google Scholar
Daly, H. (1977) Steady state and thermodynamics. BioScience 27(12):770–71.Google Scholar
Georgescu-Roegen, N. (1970) The economics of production (Richard T. Ely Lecture). American Economic Review 60(1):19.Google Scholar
Georgescu-Roegen, N. (1977b) The steady state and ecological salvation: A thermodynamic analysis. BioScience 27(4):266–70.Google Scholar
Georgescu-Roegen, N. (1977c) Author's reply. BioScience 27(12):771–71.Google Scholar
McCain, R. A. (2009) Game theory and public policy. Edward Elgar.Google Scholar
McCain, R. A. (2014) Reframing economics: Economic action as imperfect cooperation. Edward Elgar.Google Scholar
Rousseau, J.-J. (1762) The social contract, or principles of political right, trans. Cole, G. D. H.. The Constitution Society. Available at: http://www.constitution.org/jjr/ineq_04.htm, as of January 15, 2013.Google Scholar