Fun Philosophy: Does Our Evolution Control Us? Can Selfish Genes Allow Altruism?

TOPICS COVERED: Evolution, Genetics, Philosophy of Evolution and Human Nature, Determinism and Free Will

The aim of the "Fun Philosophy" series of classes is to discuss the most interesting topics in Philosophy, because if we enjoy our first experiences of thinking, then this encourages kids to keep going (see my other class listing for examples). So this is a great way to get hooked on THINKING, by starting with an easily accessible and enjoyable topic. Kids can then use their new thinking SUPER POWERS in all different kinds of situations, from everyday decisions to doing well at school to even just impressing their friends. No previous experience necessary, just a willingness to think about the topics introduced and to have some fun having your mind blown! (in a good way). I teach in the tradition of Western Analytical Philosophy, stemming from Ancient Greece to modern times, which means we focus on rational logical arguments and how to critically analyse them.

▬▬▬▬▬▬  CLASS SUMMARY  ▬▬▬▬▬
This class will look at how much our evolutionary programming explains and controls our behaviour now. For the class we will assume we evolved via an autonomous process of random genetic mutation combined with uncaring environmental selection. Darwin called this process Natural Selection and Dawkins coined the phrase "the Selfish Gene" to really explain how it works at the genetic level. Evolutionary Psychology can tell us stories about why group behaviour is good for survival. But there seems to be a conflict between acting selfishly and cooperating with others and we seem capable of both. Why is this? In this class we look at genetic determinism and whether we can escape it to act truly altruistically (ie: totally unselfishly), or whether even cooperating is actually selfish because you benefit from it.

▬▬▬▬▬▬  CLASS STYLE  ▬▬▬▬▬
I use PowerPoint presentations for all my classes, so I can mix text and multimedia and make the class more interesting. This class will be run using an "intro-discussion-repeat" format. This means I will take a few minutes to introduce a topic, usually via a fun easily accessible thought experiment, and then we will pause to discuss it briefly. Then we'll move on to the next related topic and another great thought experiment and pause for discussion after that one too. This means that you can enjoy the class however you like. Speak up and get involved in the discussions, or just listen and enjoy with no pressure. If you like this class then you check out my other Fun Philosophy Courses, cherry picked to choose the most interesting, accessible and relevant philosophy subjects for kids, so they learn to enjoy thinking.

▬▬▬▬▬▬  LINKED TOPICS  ▬▬▬▬▬
Fun Philosophy: I Think Therefore I Am. Did Descartes Prove We Exist? Maybe Not!
Fun Philosophy: What Is Consciousness? Zombies Help Us Explore Inner Space!
Fun Philosophy: Morals and Should We Always Act for the Greater Good?

You can also take all six of my FUN PHILOSOPHY classes as a multi-day course:
Fun Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge, Metaphysics, Mind, Self, Evolution & Morals

Please see my class listings for more details!