The Monkey in the Machine and the Machine in the Monkey

Description

This program examines the "selfish gene" hypothesis, laying out an interconnected tale of Western imperialism, African genocide, and the unusual psyches of the men who developed the theory. Working in an era that dubbed human beings "soft machines controlled by onboard computers," William Hamilton wondered why, if we are genetically programmed merely to survive, do some people behave altruistically? Together with computer scientist George Price he determined an evolutionary advantage for self-sacrifice, borrowing concepts from technology to do so - their idea was later popularized by ex-computer programmer Richard Dawkins. Woven throughout the video is a brutal exploration of warfare in central Africa that raises questions about motivation and free will, and puts theories of mechanistic biology to the test.

Runtime

52 min

Series

Subjects

Genre

Date of Publication

[2012], c2011

Database

Films on Demand

Direct Link

Similar Films

Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Blogging in the classroom
Talk to me. Dynamics of hostage negotiation
Polygamy
Understanding Birth 4th Edition, Your Physical Recovery
Like cattle towards glow
Transforming conflict in non-linguistic ways
Being me. Belonging. Series 1, [episode] 3
Understanding Your Multiples, The Joys of Multiples
Understanding Birth 4th Edition, 3rd Trimester Overview
We'll meet again. Children of WWII
Understanding Birth 4th Edition, Preparation and Procedure
Obeying or resisting authority. Psychological retrospective
Understanding Your Multiples, Twins Vaginal Birth Animation (Entendiendo sus múltiplos, Animación de un parto vaginal de mellizos)
Understanding Pregnancy, Healthy Habits (Entendiendo el embarazo, Hábitos saludables)