Biological Roots of Human Conflict, and its Resolution via Cultural Evolution

Abstract

The biological roots of human conflict are evolutionarily ancient, and correspondingly deep. Fortunately, some of our most destructive human tendencies can be mitigated or obviated by cultural evolution. But since culture is to biology as software is to hardware, one must correctly understand the biological nature of conflict in order to nurture effective resolutions, and beyond that to build enduring cultures of peace. This paper focuses on the biological roots of human conflict. A sequel would focus on conflict resolution via cultural evolution.