CAPABILITIES

Any consideration of altruism, especially reciprocal altruism, or of moral codes depends upon a certain level of sophistication of brain functioning. If this level was not needed during evolution until the human species arose, then it is of little use to consider other species when trying to understand the basis for human morality. In this chapter, the abilities of humans and other kinds of animals for information processing, recognition of others, awareness, feelings and cognition are discussed. Different degrees of ability and the extent to which these qualities of individuals have evolved are considered.

WHICH BRAINS WOULD ALLOW RECIPROCAL ALTRUISM?

In order to reciprocate an altruistic act, it is necessary to remember and evaluate who conferred the benefit, what degree of benefit it was and what would constitute a similar benefit. These capabilities would also be used in order to identify any individual who cheated and failed to reciprocate. It is also necessary to have an adequate system for control of actions. An adequately functional brain would have to have evolved in order that the capabilities would exist. As Wilson (1978, p. 2) says:

Whatever the level of analysis and decision making, it is the brain which does it.