Humans have a natural inclination towards cooperation from "summary" of A Natural History of Human Thinking by Michael Tomasello
Tomasello argues that humans are inherently social beings, with a natural inclination towards cooperation. This inclination is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history as a species. Throughout human evolution, individuals who were able to work together in groups had a better chance of survival and reproduction. This cooperative nature is what sets humans apart from other animals. One key aspect of human cooperation is our ability to understand and share the intentions of others. This is known as shared intentionality, and it allows humans to work together towards common goals. This ability to cooperate through shared intentionality is what has allowed humans to create complex societies and civilizations. Tomasello also emphasizes the role of cultural learning in shaping human cooperation. Unlike other animals, humans have the ability to learn from and imitate others, allowing for the transmission of knowledge and skills across generations. This cultural learning plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation within human societies. Another important aspect of human cooperation is our sense of fairness and equity. Humans have a strong sense of justice and a desire for reciprocity in social interactions. This sense of fairness helps to maintain cooperation within groups and ensures that individuals are motivated to contribute to the common good.- Tomasello argues that human cooperation is a fundamental aspect of our nature as a species. Our ability to work together, share intentions, learn from others, and uphold principles of fairness are all essential components of what makes us uniquely human. By understanding the evolutionary and cultural origins of human cooperation, we can gain a deeper insight into the nature of human thinking and behavior.
