"how did natural selection dictate conscience? (evolution, Articles)

kevmicsmi · #1 07-02-2005, 02:56 AM

This may sound like a stupid question, but considering the overwhelming majority of humanity has feelings and a conscience, how could this possibly have been an evolved trait? Wouldnt these characteristics pose detrimental to a species trying to survive?

michel · #2 07-02-2005, 03:49 AM

Hi Kevmicsmi; Namaste.

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As to your question
"This may sound like a stupid question, but considering the overwhelming majority of humanity has feelings and a conscience, how could this possibly have been an evolved trait? Wouldnt these characteristics pose detrimental to a species trying to survive?"

a) no I don't think it is a stupid question at all
As to how these traits have a connection with evolution, Feelings are a natural built in part of man; the only time this can go wrong (as far as I know) is in mental illness. Take, for example, the emotion of fear - this obviously (IMO) emerged from another basic instinct of man - survival. I guess we all knoe the 'Fight or flight' mechanism in ourseles, which sets off a rush of Adrenaline to give you the energy to run, or to fight.

If you do neither, that rush can only expend itself in 'panic attack' symptoms.

Conscience ? - I believe that may be more cultural; but having said that, culture 'evolves' from good practices that are seen to work.
ie It is 'wrong' to steal - If I steal, and I have a bad conscience, that is because I have been taught to steal; the reason I was taught that is because Society did'nt like all the upset caused by stealing, so deemed it to be wrong.

Does that make sense to you?

Bright-ness' Shadow · #3 07-02-2005, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevmicsmi

This may sound like a stupid question, but considering the overwhelming majority of humanity has feelings and a conscience, how could this possibly have been an evolved trait? Wouldnt these characteristics pose detrimental to a species trying to survive?

Actually, emotions tend to bind us together. Those that like or hate others would likely protect and care for those close - that's a "plus for survival.

michel · #4 07-02-2005, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pah

Actually, emotions tend to bind us together. Those that like or hate others would likely protect and care for those close - that's a "plus for survival.

Of course you are right Pah, I was looking for one quick emotion to describe - I was did not intend to focus solely on the 'bad' ones.

Druidus · #5 07-02-2005, 11:08 AM

Conscience becomes a necessity in any large society. It is bred into us.

painted wolf · #6 07-02-2005, 11:17 AM

all social animals have a 'conscience' the more intencely social they are the more developed that 'conscious' becomes....

wa:do

Scott1 · #7 07-02-2005, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevmicsmi

This may sound like a stupid question, but considering the overwhelming majority of humanity has feelings and a conscience, how could this possibly have been an evolved trait?

Just like any other trait..... the workings of the human conscience/mind are no remarkable from a scientific standpoint than being able to hear or see.

Quote:

Wouldnt these characteristics pose detrimental to a species trying to survive?

You make the assumption that feelings and conscience could not "evolve" over time. Our ancestors "feelings" could have been quite different from (most of)ours today.... agression and violence towards others could have been the "norm" for them, and thus their feelings and conscience would have been to their advantage.

Scott

kevmicsmi · #8 07-02-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOGFPP

You make the assumption that feelings and conscience could not "evolve" over time. Our ancestors "feelings" could have been quite different from (most of)ours today.... agression and violence towards others could have been the "norm" for them, and thus their feelings and conscience would have been to their advantage.

Scott

I understand it is possible for feelings to evolve, and agression and violence would be helpful, but feelings such as regret and hopelessness have no useful survival purpose....do they?

Scott1 · #9 07-02-2005, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevmicsmi

I understand it is possible for feelings to evolve, and agression and violence would be helpful, but feelings such as regret and hopelessness have no useful survival purpose....do they?

Sure they could..... our ancestors could have felt regret for allowing a rival to live.... they could feel hopeless in their situation and that would motivate them to change their environment--- possibly for the betterment of them and their offspring.

kevmicsmi · #10 07-02-2005, 02:07 PM

[quote=michel]Hi Kevmicsmi; Namaste.

[HTML]
I notice you are new to the forum, and wanted to Welcome you .

You might like to have a look at : Articles for New Members ; from there, there is a link to the forum rules, which you oyght to see.

Perhaps you would like to introduce yoyrself to the members, by posting on:-
Are you new to ReligiousForums.com? , where you can t