A Lecture in Psychology: Origins of Human Cooperation and Morality

Dr. Michael Tomasello, of the Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, discusses his article for the 2013 Annual Review of Psychology, titled "Origins of Human Cooperation and Morality." In this video, he shares footage of chimpanzees and of toddlers collaborating, showing that while cooperation exists among other primates, it is much more developed in our societies, even among very young humans. Children have a stronger sense of egalitarianism, and do a better job of suppressing their self-interest when they cooperate on a task. Not only that, they are capable of demonstrating norm-based group-mindedness, another form of collaboration.

[Louiseskybunker]

It implies less co-operative, selfish people are less 'human',  

[jennaproctor]

Why is variation between cultures so important? Is it so natural selection can take place? Or is more to show if there is variation other factors such as environments are less likely

[originalhigene]

Thanks for the video. I am interested in what is the cause of the behaviors. I am convinced that BELIEFS CAUSE the behavior. Animals come to believe certain things and act on those beliefs. Humans have a more sophisticated mental system and thus a wider, deeper, longer range of interrelated beliefs which are the cause of their behaviors. Beliefs are often at odds with each other and that produces confusion and the situation of not knowing which behavior is best or right. Behaviors change when the beliefs supporting them change. Humans create morality based on the universal belief that we OUGHT to treat others like we believe they OUGHT to treat us. Morality is nothing more than fairness that aids survival enhanced by the pursuit of happiness.