![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The experiment illustrates how cooperation can be an extension of competition: in this case, defending against an outside threat. Fearing a Lord of the Flies outcome, the scientists intervened. In preparation, the boys armed themselves with rocks. When one group stole the flag of the other, for example, a counter raid was planned. More disturbing-though perhaps equally predictable-sports competition between the groups quickly escalated into violence. Predictably, the presence of “outsiders” strengthened the social order of the group. With the social groups firmly established, the scientists allowed the boys to become aware of the existence of the other group. After one child hurt his foot but didn’t complain, for example, it was expected that no one should complain about being injured. Leaders emerged, and accepted practices were established. Posing as camp counselors, the scientists kept the two groups separate and unaware of each other while each individual “tribe” developed its own internal order. In the famous Robbers Cave experiment, scientists took two groups of boys aged 11 and 12 to a state park. Scientists have constructed experiments demonstrating that cooperating in social groups is a deep-seated instinct. Our ability to cooperate for mutual survival increases the likelihood of fulfilling our biological imperative-and as a result our capacity for social behavior is reinforced by evolution as surely as the protective armor of the armadillo or the camouflage ability of the chameleon. Cooperation, s/he might argue, is the twin of competition. The evolutionary scientist, however, would not see Quinn’s self-interest as necessarily opposed to the interests of the group. ![]() One suspects that Quinn has ulterior motives in his proposal. It comes as something of a surprise then, when Quinn suggests that they work together. The remaining four suitors have outlasted one hundred men, surviving for years on their ferocity and cunning, sustained only by the thought of winning Penelope’s hand. As the suitors Dunne and Quinn observe:ĭUNNE: Even after all this time the competition. From the perspective of evolution, this is the most fundamental of competitions: surviving long enough to pass your genes to the next generation. Four men are locked in combat for resources and a mate. ![]()
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