Natural selection can explain altruistic behavior from "summary" of Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennett
One of the most intriguing aspects of evolutionary theory is the explanation it provides for seemingly selfless acts of altruism. How could individuals possibly benefit from sacrificing their own well-being for the welfare of others? The answer lies in the mechanism of natural selection, which operates at the level of genes rather than individuals. According to the theory of natural selection, genes that promote behaviors which increase the overall reproductive success of a group will tend to spread throughout the population. In the case of altruistic behavior, genes that predispose individuals to help others – even at a cost to themselves – can be favored if they enhance the survival and reproduction of close relatives who share those genes. This concept, known as kin selection, explains why organisms may act in ways that appear to be altruistic towards their relatives. But what about cases of altruism towards non-relatives...
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