![]() ![]() ![]() A primary observation is that cooperation using language and theory of mind is itself interdependent with full human conceptualization of a world of objects and of themselves as embodied beings. Explanatory insights are provided by Trivers’ parent-offspring conflict theory, Lack’s principle, and Hamilton’s kin selection mechanism. Crucially, the behaviour which tends to propagate the cooperative genes may be “at cost” to the genes of some who may be party to the cooperation itself. With a focus on genes giving rise to characteristically-human cooperation (“cooperative genes”) involving language and theory of mind, one may situate a whole range of patterned behaviour-including celibacy and even slavery-otherwise seeming to present insuperable difficulties. ![]() In a study drawing from both evolutionary biology and the social sciences, evidence and argument is assembled in support of the comprehensive application of selfish gene theory to the human population. ![]()
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