Exactly. Literally what Kropotkin meant when he called it a “factor in evolution.” Mutual aid can be just as useful of a survival mechanism in nature as predation. Maybe even more depending on the situation.
There are game theory-based frameworks of altruism which contribute to this idea by demonstrating that it can maximize the survivability of a community if agents employ altruism, giving some theoretical insight into how evolutionary pressure could lead to it.
It’s no fault of Darwin’s, but I think society and the academic community still have much “unlearning” to do regarding evolution and “survival of the fittest.” We already (modern backsliding notwithstanding) unlearned eugenics and “scientific” racism, but we have a long way yet to go.
Exactly. Literally what Kropotkin meant when he called it a “factor in evolution.” Mutual aid can be just as useful of a survival mechanism in nature as predation. Maybe even more depending on the situation.
There are game theory-based frameworks of altruism which contribute to this idea by demonstrating that it can maximize the survivability of a community if agents employ altruism, giving some theoretical insight into how evolutionary pressure could lead to it.
It’s no fault of Darwin’s, but I think society and the academic community still have much “unlearning” to do regarding evolution and “survival of the fittest.” We already (modern backsliding notwithstanding) unlearned eugenics and “scientific” racism, but we have a long way yet to go.
Kropotkin is underappreciated!