Evolutionary dynamics of behavioral motivations for cooperation

Qi Su () and Alexander J. Stewart ()
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Qi Su: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Alexander J. Stewart: Indiana University Bloomington

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Human decision-making is shaped by underlying motivations, which reflect both subjective well-being and fundamental biological needs. Different needs are often prioritized and traded off against one another. Here we develop a theoretical framework to study the evolution of behavioral motivations, encompassing both philanthropic (cooperating after personal needs are met) and aspirational (cooperating to fulfill personal needs) motivations. Our findings show that when the ratio of benefits to costs for cooperation exceeds a critical threshold, individuals initially driven by aspirational motivations can transition to philanthropic motivations with a low reference point for cooperation, resulting in increased cooperation. Furthermore, the critical threshold depends on the structure of the underlying social network, with network modifications capable of reversing the evolutionary trajectory of motivations. Our results reveal the complex interplay between needs, motivations, social networks, and decision-making, offering insights into how evolution shapes not only cooperative behaviors but also the motivations behind them.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59366-1

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