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The evolutionary roots of human hyper-cognition

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  • Herbert Gintis

Abstract

While Professor Pagano’s general argument is attractive and may be valid, the Machiavellian intelligence hypothesis that he employs is extremely implausible from a sociobiological perspective. It posits the evolution of massive social inefficiencies in hominin societies over a long period during which there was doubtless severe competition among hominin groups for the same large animal scavenging/hunting niche. I propose an alternative to this part of Pagano’s argument that renders his overall theory more plausible. In this alternative, human hyper-cognition is a social good because it supplies powerful and flexible group leadership, which was likely a key element in the evolution of hominin hyper-cognition. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Herbert Gintis, 2013. "The evolutionary roots of human hyper-cognition," Journal of Bioeconomics, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 83-89, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbioec:v:15:y:2013:i:1:p:83-89
    DOI: 10.1007/s10818-012-9140-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susanne Shultz & Christopher Opie & Quentin D. Atkinson, 2011. "Stepwise evolution of stable sociality in primates," Nature, Nature, vol. 479(7372), pages 219-222, November.
    2. Carl Bergstrom & Michael Lachmann, 2000. "Alarm Calls as Costly Signals of Anti-Predator Vigilance: The Watchful Babbler Game," Working Papers 00-02-009, Santa Fe Institute.
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    Cited by:

    1. Witt, Ulrich & Schwesinger, Georg, 2013. "Phylogenetic footprints in organizational behavior," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 90(S), pages 33-44.
    2. Ugo Pagano, 2014. "Love, war and cultures: a reply to my commentators," Journal of Bioeconomics, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 203-211, July.

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