Group selection theory would therefore predict a tendency to evolve towards an all-dove conspiracy ... But the trouble with conspiracies, even those that are to everybody's advantage in the long run, is that they are open to abuse.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Group selection could favor cooperation among individuals, but such cooperation is unstable because members can cheat for personal gain.
- In plain terms
- Everyone cooperating sounds good, but people will cheat to benefit themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Cooperation is unstable without enforcement.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can cooperation be enforced?
- Why do groups fail?
Another view
Some mechanisms like punishment can stabilize cooperation without abuse.
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