Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 March 2016
The properties of individual carbon atoms allow them to chain into complex molecules of immense length. They are not limited to structures involving only a few atoms. The design features of our evolved neural adaptations appear similarly extensible. Individuals with forager brains can link themselves together into unprecedentedly large cooperative structures without the need for large group-beneficial modifications to evolved human design. Roles need only be intelligible to our social program logic, and judged better than alternatives.
Target article
Cultural group selection plays an essential role in explaining human cooperation: A sketch of the evidence
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Author response
Cultural group selection follows Darwin's classic syllogism for the operation of selection