It has been 145 years since Charles Darwin developed the theory of natural selection and coined the term “survival of the fittest.” Since then, it has become a household phrase, but that does not mean there are no exceptions to the rule.
Today, in his aptly titled lecture “Play Nice with Others: The Evolution of Cooperation and the Paradox of Altruism,” Oregon psychology professor Warren Holmes will discuss the behavior known as altruism. Classified as animal behavior that may be to the individual’s disadvantage but benefits others of its kind, altruism has long thrown a wrench in Darwin’s natural selection theory. Why, when selfishness guarantees survival, will a creature disadvantage itself by helping another? If such actions are simply another product of evolution aimed at ensuring the survival of an entire species, does true altruism exist at all?
“One of the issues is how you define altruism,” said Holmes. “There are different frameworks for defining it and thinking about it. The primary thing I’m going to talk about is thinking in a functional framework rather in the proximal or everyday framework.” Holmes says we must think about the origins of altruistic behavior scientifically to understand its role in our daily lives.
He will focus on non-human altruism, asserting that this behavior must be considered “independently of any organism.”
Upcoming Lectures
| Feb. 10: “The Evolution of Cooperation and the Paradox of Altruism,” Oregon psychology professor Warren Holmes Mar. 10: “The Evolution of Complexity: Opening Darwin’s Black Box,” Oregon biology professor Joe Thornton Apr. 14: “Make Love, Not War: What Chimpanzees Can Tell Us About the Evolution of Human Behavior,” Oregon anthropology professor Frances White May 4: “Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species,” University of Wisconsin biology professor Sean B. Carroll May 27: “Time to Abandon Darwin? Evolution and the Battle for America’s Soul,” Brown University biology professor Kenneth Miller, location TBA All lectures are at 7:30 p.m. in 182 Lillis unless otherwise noted. |
The newest installment in the series, “150 Years Since On the Origin of the Species: A Darwin Bicentennial Birthday Celebration,” Holmes’ lecture is the second of six that will premiere through the end of May. Sponsored by six University departments, including the Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences, the events celebrate Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and educate the community on the work, namely the famous On the Origin of the Species.
“The main goal of this lecture series is to use this special date to share related knowledge and research with the public that has been inspired by Darwin’s original work,” said Greg Soderstedt, purchasing agent for the Center of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
“I hope that (audience members) appreciate a little more Darwin’s genius because many of the problems evolutionary scientists are dealing with today, Darwin first raised in 1859,” Holmes said. “I’d like people to know that he was a man ahead of his time.”
The lecture is free, open to the public, and will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Lillis 182.
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