When one performs an altruistic act, one expects that act to be repaid in full later one. They expect to receive an equal act of altruism such that it balances out any risks, or costs, cancel out almost. Once again, why is reciprocal altruism valued in society? What happens if the second party reneges? What if you will never see them again? How will your altruism be repaid? What is the driving force that causes you to act altruistically? Clearly a parallel can be drawn with cooperation as described by the prisoner’s dilemma. Cooperation is not always the beneficial outcome in a “game.” Sometimes, the dominating strategy is to defect, for that is the outcome that benefits the individual the most. However, society values cooperation for whatever reason even if it is not logical. Essentially, the value that is placed upon cooperation is so strong that it overrides everything in nature. However, this statement depends on a variety of factors such as frequency and situation. Nevertheless, the pressure of acting in a reciprocally altruistic fashion is
When one performs an altruistic act, one expects that act to be repaid in full later one. They expect to receive an equal act of altruism such that it balances out any risks, or costs, cancel out almost. Once again, why is reciprocal altruism valued in society? What happens if the second party reneges? What if you will never see them again? How will your altruism be repaid? What is the driving force that causes you to act altruistically? Clearly a parallel can be drawn with cooperation as described by the prisoner’s dilemma. Cooperation is not always the beneficial outcome in a “game.” Sometimes, the dominating strategy is to defect, for that is the outcome that benefits the individual the most. However, society values cooperation for whatever reason even if it is not logical. Essentially, the value that is placed upon cooperation is so strong that it overrides everything in nature. However, this statement depends on a variety of factors such as frequency and situation. Nevertheless, the pressure of acting in a reciprocally altruistic fashion is