MichaelBishop comments on Why the beliefs/values dichotomy? - Less Wrong

20 Post author: Wei_Dai 20 October 2009 04:35PM

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Comment author: MichaelBishop 24 October 2009 03:41:22PM *  0 points [-]

While we can never escape our biology entirely, I dispute any suggestion that the selfish gene is always the best level of abstraction, or best model, for human behavior. I assume you agree even though that did not come across in this paragraph.

Comment author: timtyler 25 October 2009 04:49:09PM 1 point [-]

Humans behaviour is often illuminated by the concept of memes. Humans are also influenced by the genes of their pathogens (or other manipulators). If you cough or sneeze, that behaviour is probably not occurring since it benefits you.

Similarly with cancer or back pain - not everything is an adaptation.