Is Human Morality Undermining Natural Selection?
Traditional views often associate human morality with a hindrance to natural selection. However, this perspective underestimates the profound impact of human civilization on the very processes of biological evolution. This analysis explores how the evolution of agriculture, trade, religion, and modern healthcare has altered the dimensions along which natural selection operates. Furthermore, it delves into the intricate relationship between human morality and the dynamics of power and exploitation, arguing that morality serves as a balancing mechanism within society.
The Role of Human Civilization in Bypassing Biological Selection
The development of agriculture, trade, money, and technological advancements such as medicine and antibiotics has fundamentally transformed the landscape of natural and sexual selection. These developments have created new selective pressures that diverge from the traditional forces of biological evolution.
Agriculture, for instance, has led to the domestication of plants and animals, altering the genetic makeup of species to adapt to human needs. Trade and money have facilitated the spread of diseases, which, while detrimental to individuals in the short term, can lead to the evolution of more resistant individuals in the long run. These factors have collectively reshaped the criteria by which natural selection operates, thus bypassing the traditional paths of biological evolution.
Human Morality and the Dynamics of Power and Exploitation
Human morality often appears to favor the weak, but this is not out of benevolence but rather as a strategic response to the demands of the powerful. In essence, the strong demand fealty and protection, and in exchange, they provide advantages. This dynamic creates a complex interplay where the powerful maintain control over the less powerful, ensuring their continued dominance.
Furthermore, human morality disproportionately focuses on shielding those who are exploited, caring for the weak and marginalized. This is not out of genuine goodwill but rather a strategic necessity. As Pitirim Sorokin observed, the truths behind the fa?ade of human governments are often rotten, and this can be attributed to the overreliance on structures of power and exploitation. However, these systems are essential for maintaining societal order and balance, much like the need for tax regimes or regulatory bodies.
The Political Parasite and the Oligarchy
Modern political systems, often referred to as the deep state, exemplify a system where a small, influential group maintains control over the broader population. The presence of such systems implies that the strong will continue to exert their influence, ensuring that the dynamic of power and exploitation remains intact. This is necessary not only for maintaining order but also for the stimulation of regular human interactions and the creation of purpose in social dynamics.
The concept of equilibrium plays a crucial role here. The debate in politics and society is not about the removal of power structures but rather about how to balance these structures to maintain a stable and functional society. The idea of a governance by the oligarchy ensures that certain individuals and groups can thrive and contribute to the collective good, rather than a complete absence of governance leading to chaos.
The Relativistic Nature of Human Morality
Ultimately, human morality is a relativistic concept. What is deemed fair or unfair, selfish or altruistic, is often a subjective judgment influenced by cultural, social, and personal contexts. While morality may enforce a sense of justice and cooperation, it is also a tool for maintaining social order and preventing the unchecked dominance of the strong over the weak.
Human morality, therefore, is not a static, absolute system but a dynamic one that evolves to address the needs and challenges of society. It plays a crucial role in balancing power, ensuring cooperation, and promoting the overall well-being of the community. In this sense, the complex interplay of human morality, power, and exploitation serves the broader interest of human civilization rather than undermining natural selection.
By understanding this interplay, we can better navigate the challenges of modern society and work towards a more equitable and balanced future. Whether it is through traditional institutions or innovative social structures, the key lies in fostering a system that encourages cooperation, balance, and mutual benefit.