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Darwinian Politics: The Evolutionary Origin of Freedom (Rutgers Series in Human Evolution)
 
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Darwinian Politics: The Evolutionary Origin of Freedom (Rutgers Series in Human Evolution) (Paperback)

by Paul H. Rubin (Author)
3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 248 pages
  • Publisher: Rutgers University Press (31 Aug 2002)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0813530962
  • ISBN-13: 978-0813530963
  • Product Dimensions: 23.8 x 14.9 x 1.6 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 995,759 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

An examination of political behaviour from a modern evolutionary perspective. Paul H. Rubin discusses group or social behaviour, including: ethnic and racial conflict; altruism and co-operation; envy; political power; and the role of religion in politics.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars At least we can race over the cliff edge with smiles on our faces., 24 April 2006
By L. SAXON - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
In this book Rubin has looked at the EEA - the human Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness - to consider the origins of human preferences and has concluded that Western societies, especially the US, best satisfy our evolved preferences. He is not debating 'what is' vs 'what should be' but does believe that satisfying these preferences is what makes us happy and anything leading to human happiness is desirable.

This is predominantly the story of the human male and today fits most neatly the self-interest of the physically fit adult male born to middle-class parents. Rubin says, and it is probably largely true, that in the EEA humans lived in male-kin groups where dominant males acquired a number of wives while other males had none. This was a zero-sum world where one man's gain was another man's loss. Males both sought dominance and to reduce the dominance of other males.

Today, Rubin says, free trade and capitalism are non zero-sum and benefit everyone though this is counter-intuitive to many because it was not part of the EEA. The striving for wealth benefits all and, with the enforcement of monogamy, wealth poses no threat to the reproductive fitness of others. Business also counters government power which satisfies our preference for the restricted power of politicians and our individual freedom. Though people seek wealth from selfish motives the actual outcome benefits everyone.

Rubin is presenting something of a group-selection argument. Today inequality within a group creates greater average wealth than does equality therefore egalitarian groups are out-competed. If this is so then the implication is that those who suffer the most from inequality should accept their sacrifice because the group actually benefits. This is a problem Rubin does not address - the discontent of those whose sacrifice is required for the 'common good'.

Rubin also does not adequately address the inheritance of wealth and status except to say that no one advocates true equality of opportunity because that would require the removal of children from their parents and a communal upbringing as opportunity is largely tied to the wealth and status of parents.

Rubin briefly mentions the increased dependence of children but does not consider how dependent older humans were/are on their children. The costs of children have grown and grown and only in modern states can people avoid the costs of having children while still receiving the benefits that other people's children provide as workers and carers supporting all the elderly etc. and not just their own parents.

Rubin believes monogamy means there is no need to envy wealthy men yet clearly both sexes compete to attract the most attractive members of the other sex and wealthy men certainly can monopolize more than one attractive female. Sexual display and competition is certainly still a major factor in the seeking of wealth and status.

Rubin dismisses any concern about the environment and the limited resources of our planet. He does not even consider that the 'feel good' reward of money and insatiable consumerism might actually not be the same as happiness. Evolution is not about happiness and many things can make us feel good that actually lead to immense unhappiness eg drugs, fatty foods, sex etc. etc. - all types of impulses and addictions that provide quick fixes and long-term harm. These are things that were very limited in the EEA.

This is an interesting book and appears to follow a logical argument and it certainly coincides with self-interest especially if you are a fit, reasonably wealthy male. Much is missing regarding women, children, the environment, limited resources, our elimination of other species and where our insatiable consumption will ultimately lead. This may be the best of all possible worlds but we should be especially wary - understanding our evolved natures may suggest how we satisfy our evolved wants but this is in no way a green light to do so. Sometimes a red light may be more appropriate.

To gorge ourselves on our planet and tell ourselves this benefits all humans and creates the greatest happiness may simply mean that we will be the happiest but the most short-lived species ever - billions of us laughing our way to extinction.
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