Evolution of indirect reciprocity

Martin A. Nowak and Karl Sigmund ()
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Martin A. Nowak: Harvard University
Karl Sigmund: University of Vienna

Nature, 2005, vol. 437, issue 7063, 1291-1298

Abstract: Abstract Natural selection is conventionally assumed to favour the strong and selfish who maximize their own resources at the expense of others. But many biological systems, and especially human societies, are organized around altruistic, cooperative interactions. How can natural selection promote unselfish behaviour? Various mechanisms have been proposed, and a rich analysis of indirect reciprocity has recently emerged: I help you and somebody else helps me. The evolution of cooperation by indirect reciprocity leads to reputation building, morality judgement and complex social interactions with ever-increasing cognitive demands.

Date: 2005
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04131

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