Are you familiar with the Social Brain Hypothesis? I'm of the understanding it's the preferred explanation for the 2.5M years of brain evolution responsible for our cerebral volumes being 3X that of our nearest extant cousins (chimps). Michael Muthukrishna (LSE Prof) also has a nice extension of SBH called the cultural brain hypothesis.
There are some clear parallels I think you can draw from.
Yes, Dunbar, if I'm not mistaken, is the originator of the Social Brain Hypothesis. I should have included his name in my original comment.
What I think is relevant to you are the ideas about gossip (social information beneficial to group) and deception (strategies useful to individuals undermining the group). This 'arms race" is the alleged impetus behind the selection for greater intelligence in humans.
All writers should do this sort of self-analysis and graph-making, because it's fun!
Self-indulgence generally is!
Peahens nest on the ground or occasional in a tree.
Amazing news, thank you!
Random knowledge. I look forward to your next installment.
Are you familiar with the Social Brain Hypothesis? I'm of the understanding it's the preferred explanation for the 2.5M years of brain evolution responsible for our cerebral volumes being 3X that of our nearest extant cousins (chimps). Michael Muthukrishna (LSE Prof) also has a nice extension of SBH called the cultural brain hypothesis.
There are some clear parallels I think you can draw from.
I actually have heard of this, or at least the Dunbar number—just wasn’t making the connection
Yes, Dunbar, if I'm not mistaken, is the originator of the Social Brain Hypothesis. I should have included his name in my original comment.
What I think is relevant to you are the ideas about gossip (social information beneficial to group) and deception (strategies useful to individuals undermining the group). This 'arms race" is the alleged impetus behind the selection for greater intelligence in humans.
Intriguing for sure. Is there a specific book or article you’d recommend?
There's a chapter in Max Bennett's A Brief History of Intelligence that provides very nice coverage.
Hoel's review of Graeber/Wengrow's book The Dawn of Everything has some good points on gossip's role in deep human history and today - https://open.substack.com/pub/erikhoel/p/the-gossip-trap?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2jsvs
I’m not! Thanks, will check out.
Very useful essay, Natasha, for me to contemplate as I evolve my won writing. Look forward to part two.
Useful! Oh no. (Kidding; thanks!)
I apologize for touching a nerve as “useful” is status disparaging from a Veblenesque perspective. As you well know!
No need! I just couldn’t resist