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On the evolutionary origins of revenge and forgiveness: A converging systems hypothesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2012

Richard J. Crisp
Affiliation:
Centre for the Study of Group Processes, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP, United Kingdom. r.crisp@kent.ac.ukwww.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/crispr/rm379@kent.ac.ukwww.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/meleadyr/
Rose Meleady
Affiliation:
Centre for the Study of Group Processes, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP, United Kingdom. r.crisp@kent.ac.ukwww.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/crispr/rm379@kent.ac.ukwww.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/meleadyr/

Abstract

McCullough et al. argue that humans possess evolved computational systems for implementing retaliatory behavior that both deters aggression and promotes subsequent reconciliation. However, they do not apply this analysis to the sphere of intergroup relations. We believe their model can be usefully extended to this domain and discuss why this would be possible, pertinent, and productive.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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