mitchell writes:
If we understand that human evolution is in another stage where natural selection is not the most important factor, then it is cooperation with and protection of our fellow man rather than competition and the death of our fellow man that represents the forward direction in the evolution of man.
First, I agree that NS is no longer the 'most important factor' in human evolution if one considers NS as a function of physical factors, disease, and predation by other species, the way it applies to most other living things. But throughout history NS has been shaping our responses and our behavior - it has favored the evolution of particular *mechanisms* in human thought and behavior and these are still with us. I think we are a long way from escaping its influences.
The subject of 'cooperation and protection of our fellow man' is one that must be put in a very precise context for discussion. Yes, we have a tendency to do this, but primarily when we are helping others that share our interests (read 'fitness'), i.e. they belong to the same family or social group. What must be remembered is that human cooperation likely evolved because it was advantageous in inter-group conflict. The biggest mortality factor among primitive humans was likely other bands of primitve humans, and intra-group co-operation was strongly selected because of the advantages it afforded in warfare. So I don't think it is accurate to portray human cooperation as some sort of utopian ideal that were are evolving toward out of increased humanitarian consciousness. Cooperation and warfare are intrinsically linked in human evolutionary history.
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