Cooperation & Prosocial Behaviour - Softcover

Hinde, Robert A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521399998 ISBN 13: 9780521399999

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

An increasing number of people accept competitiveness as a basis for living. However, while competitiveness may have its place, cooperation is more important in many contexts, and interpersonal relationships are the most important elements in our lives. This is true not only of individuals, but also of groups and nations. In this book, prominent authors have come together to consider the nature of cooperation and prosocial behaviour at levels of social complexity ranging from the individual to the international. Successive sections cover key topics such as the relations between cooperation in animals and humans; the development of prosocial propensities in humans; aspects of the situation and of personality that increase the probability that individuals will behave prosocially; the relationships between trust, cooperation and commitment; and cooperation between groups and nations. Case studies illustrating the important issue of international cooperation are also included. The chapters are integrated by a series of useful editorials which emphasise that a full understanding of cooperation and prosocial behaviour requires us to move between different levels of social complexity.

About this title

Review

'The subject is treated in considerable breadth and depth, ideas are developed as lines of argument throughout the book, and there is much to interest the reader, whether they may be a student, an interested general reader, a social scientist or even a policy maker.' Alain Schmitt, Human Ethology Newsletter

Book Description

While competitiveness has its place, cooperation and altruism are more important in many contexts. Here, authors from biology, philosophy and a variety of social sciences consider the nature of cooperation, altruism and prosocial behaviour between individuals, within and between groups, and between nations. Both the differences between these levels of social complexity, and the relations between them, are emphasised.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521399998
• ISBN 13: 9780521399999
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384