To Propagate and to Prosper

ruffin_darden ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 289-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara J. Radin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Evolutionary Psychology ◽  
Stakeholder Theory ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Moral Behavior ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Specific Focus ◽  
Insight Into

This article examines the contribution of nature and the sciences toward a deeper understanding of business. Integrating these disciplines with stakeholder theory opens up new avenues for thinking about business that will potentially offer greater success in addressing the disconnect between moral discretion and the behavior of businesspeople. The specific focus is on integration of modern Darwinism (evolutionary psychology) and business theory. According to modern Darwinism, there are insufficient resources for all genes to reproduce. Natural selection occurs as genes compete to reproduce and those best suited for survival are able to reproduce. During the struggle, human beings are motivated by impulses intended to further reproduction, which lead them into many fruitful endeavors—such as participation in corporations. As genes strive to be passed on to the next generation, a consequence is their contribution to productivity and prosperity. By developing insight into the evolutionary process, we can create mechanisms that help us to manage human behavior in order to promote moral behavior. Connecting people with their natural selves provides for a more robust understanding of business.

scholarly journals Evolutionary Psychology: Interfaces Between Natural Selection and Human Behavior

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-128
Author(s):  
W.W. Cecconello ◽  
V.R.T. Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Evolutionary Psychology ◽  
Human Behavior

scholarly journals Stability-based sorting: The forgotten process behind (not only) biological evolution

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Flegr ◽  
Jan Toman
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Biological Evolution ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Main Process ◽  
Strict Sense ◽  
Broad Distribution ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractNatural selection is considered to be the main process that drives biological evolution. It requires selected entities to originate dependent upon one another by the means of reproduction or copying, and for the progeny to inherit the qualities of their ancestors. However, natural selection is a manifestation of a more general persistence principle, whose temporal consequences we propose to name “stability-based sorting” (SBS). Sorting based on static stability, i.e., SBS in its strict sense and usual conception, favours characters that increase the persistence of their holders and act on all material and immaterial entities. Sorted entities could originate independently from each other, are not required to propagate and need not exhibit heredity. Natural selection is a specific form of SBS—sorting based on dynamic stability. It requires some form of heredity and is based on competition for the largest difference between the speed of generating its own copies and their expiration. SBS in its strict sense and selection thus have markedly different evolutionary consequences that are stressed in this paper. In contrast to selection, which is opportunistic, SBS is able to accumulate even momentarily detrimental characters that are advantageous for the long-term persistence of sorted entities. However, it lacks the amplification effect based on the preferential propagation of holders of advantageous characters. Thus, it works slower than selection and normally is unable to create complex adaptations. From a long-term perspective, SBS is a decisive force in evolution—especially macroevolution. SBS offers a new explanation for numerous evolutionary phenomena, including broad distribution and persistence of sexuality, altruistic behaviour, horizontal gene transfer, patterns of evolutionary stasis, planetary homeostasis, increasing ecosystem resistance to disturbances, and the universal decline of disparity in the evolution of metazoan lineages. SBS acts on all levels in all biotic and abiotic systems. It could be the only truly universal evolutionary process, and an explanatory framework based on SBS could provide new insight into the evolution of complex abiotic and biotic systems.

scholarly journals On the Origin of Human Behavior

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Kopsov
Keyword(s):  
Human Behavior ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Transient State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evolutionary Development ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Action Execution ◽  
Feedback Mechanisms ◽  
Comparison Algorithms

<p>Numerous behavioral and decision-making theories have been proposed within various branches of physiology, psychology, and social sciences. However, few authors have studied the <i>origin</i> of behavior. It has been suggested that human behavior can be described as an algorithm, defining an action-execution process through a sequence of steps and feedback mechanisms. Given this premise, origins of human behavior are comparatively assessed to other forms of nature; to facilitate this comparison, algorithms were developed to sequence the functionality of inanimate matter (i.e. motionless or inoperative matter) and animate life (i.e. living organisms). Subsequently, the three developed algorithms – for matter, life, and mind – allowed to identify both their common and unique features, as well as to follow the evolutionary flow between the physical, biological, and psychological dimensions of nature. We postulate that algorithms of behavior of physical objects, biological organisms, and human beings are not standalone constructs but phases of the evolutionary process. Furthermore, in this evolutionary <a>process, </a>algorithms are continuously adjusted and enhanced through the addition of new steps and feedback mechanisms. The underlying commonality for these changes in behavior is rising prominence of future-orientation of actions, e.g., when an organism increasingly caters for its future well-being, rather than solely enhancing its transient state. This transformation takes place through shifts from immediate and predetermined reactions, to longer-term orientated and variable responses. Throughout this process, functional algorithms of higher complexity do not invalidate predecessors, but on the contrary, incorporate and build on them. The presented theory offers an explanation on how, and to what extent, operational algorithms are shared between various forms of nature. It also considers possible future directions for evolutionary development.</p>

scholarly journals On the Origin of Human Behavior

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Kopsov
Keyword(s):  
Human Behavior ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Transient State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evolutionary Development ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Action Execution ◽  
Feedback Mechanisms ◽  
Comparison Algorithms

<p>Numerous behavioral and decision-making theories have been proposed within various branches of physiology, psychology, and social sciences. However, few authors have studied the <i>origin</i> of behavior. It has been suggested that human behavior can be described as an algorithm, defining an action-execution process through a sequence of steps and feedback mechanisms. Given this premise, origins of human behavior are comparatively assessed to other forms of nature; to facilitate this comparison, algorithms were developed to sequence the functionality of inanimate matter (i.e. motionless or inoperative matter) and animate life (i.e. living organisms). Subsequently, the three developed algorithms – for matter, life, and mind – allowed to identify both their common and unique features, as well as to follow the evolutionary flow between the physical, biological, and psychological dimensions of nature. We postulate that algorithms of behavior of physical objects, biological organisms, and human beings are not standalone constructs but phases of the evolutionary process. Furthermore, in this evolutionary <a>process, </a>algorithms are continuously adjusted and enhanced through the addition of new steps and feedback mechanisms. The underlying commonality for these changes in behavior is rising prominence of future-orientation of actions, e.g., when an organism increasingly caters for its future well-being, rather than solely enhancing its transient state. This transformation takes place through shifts from immediate and predetermined reactions, to longer-term orientated and variable responses. Throughout this process, functional algorithms of higher complexity do not invalidate predecessors, but on the contrary, incorporate and build on them. The presented theory offers an explanation on how, and to what extent, operational algorithms are shared between various forms of nature. It also considers possible future directions for evolutionary development.</p>

Précis of Evolution in Four Dimensions

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Jablonka ◽  
Marion J. Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Theory Of Evolution ◽  
Evolutionary Theories ◽  
Hereditary Variation ◽  
Developmental Conditions ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractIn his theory of evolution, Darwin recognized that the conditions of life play a role in the generation of hereditary variations, as well as in their selection. However, as evolutionary theory was developed further, heredity became identified with genetics, and variation was seen in terms of combinations of randomly generated gene mutations. We argue that this view is now changing, because it is clear that a notion of hereditary variation that is based solely on randomly varying genes that are unaffected by developmental conditions is an inadequate basis for evolutionary theories. Such a view not only fails to provide satisfying explanations of many evolutionary phenomena, it also makes assumptions that are not consistent with the data that are emerging from disciplines ranging from molecular biology to cultural studies. These data show that the genome is far more responsive to the environment than previously thought, and that not all transmissible variation is underlain by genetic differences. In Evolution in Four Dimensions (2005) we identify four types of inheritance (genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, and symbol-based), each of which can provide variations on which natural selection will act. Some of these variations arise in response to developmental conditions, so there are Lamarckian aspects to evolution. We argue that a better insight into evolutionary processes will result from recognizing that transmitted variations that are not based on DNA differences have played a role. This is particularly true for understanding the evolution of human behavior, where all four dimensions of heredity have been important.

Integrating Mechanisms and Functions to Understand Behavior

2019 ◽  
pp. xiv-9
Author(s):  
Lisa L. M. Welling ◽  
Todd K. Shackelford
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Psychology ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Affective Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Endocrinology ◽  
Human Psychology ◽  
Proximate Mechanisms ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Influence Behavior ◽  
Evolutionary Perspectives

Evolutionary psychology and behavioral endocrinology provide complementary perspectives on interpreting human behavior and psychology. Hormones can function as underlying mechanisms that influence behavior in functional ways. Understanding these proximate mechanisms can inform ultimate explanations of human psychology. This chapter introduces this edited volume by first discussing evolutionary perspectives in behavioral endocrinology. It then briefly addresses three broad topic areas of behavioral endocrinology: (1) development and survival, (2) reproductive behavior, and (3) social and affective behavior. It provides examples of research within each of these areas and describes potential adaptations. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the importance of integrating mechanisms with function when investigating human behavior and psychology.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Glycyphagus domesticus (Acari: Glycyphagidae) using next-generation sequencing: Insight into phylogeny of Acariformes

2021 ◽  
Vol 93 ◽  
pp. 101818
Author(s):  
Yangming Lan ◽  
Shiqian Feng ◽  
Vaclav Stejskal ◽  
Yi Wu ◽  
Radek Aulicky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Complete Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Generation Sequencing

On the Harm of Genocide

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-49
Author(s):  
Paul Kucharski
Keyword(s):  
Human Nature ◽  
The State ◽  
Human Condition ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Community Or ◽  
The World ◽  
Scholarly Discussion ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Individual Human ◽  
The Human Condition

My aim in this essay is to advance the state of scholarly discussion on the harms of genocide. The most obvious harms inflicted by every genocide are readily evident: the physical harm inflicted upon the victims of genocide and the moral harm that the perpetrators of genocide inflict upon themselves. Instead, I will focus on a kind of harm inflicted upon those who are neither victims nor perpetrators, on those who are outside observers, so to speak. My thesis will be that when a whole community or culture is eliminated, or even deeply wounded, the world loses an avenue for insight into the human condition. My argument is as follows. In order to understand human nature, and that which promotes its flourishing, we must certainly study individual human beings. But since human beings as rational and linguistic animals are in part constituted by the communities in which they live, the study of human nature should also involve the study of communities and cultures—both those that are well ordered and those that are not. No one community or culture has expressed all that can be said about the human way of existing and flourishing. And given that the unity and wholeness of human nature can only be glimpsed in a variety of communities and cultures, then part of the harm of genocide consists in the removal of a valuable avenue for human beings to better understand themselves.

scholarly journals Evolutionary Psychology in the Modern World: Applications, Perspectives, and Strategies

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 147470491201000 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Craig Roberts ◽  
Mark van Vugt ◽  
Robin I. M. Dunbar
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Psychology ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Evolutionary Approach ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Darwinian Medicine ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Economics And Politics

An evolutionary approach is a powerful framework which can bring new perspectives on any aspect of human behavior, to inform and complement those from other disciplines, from psychology and anthropology to economics and politics. Here we argue that insights from evolutionary psychology may be increasingly applied to address practical issues and help alleviate social problems. We outline the promise of this endeavor, and some of the challenges it faces. In doing so, we draw parallels between an applied evolutionary psychology and recent developments in Darwinian medicine, which similarly has the potential to complement conventional approaches. Finally, we describe some promising new directions which are developed in the associated papers accompanying this article.

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