asu.edu [PDF] · #economics
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Altruistic punishment is suggested to explain observed high levels of cooperation among non-kin
related humans. However, laboratory experiments as well as ethnographic evidence suggest that people
might retaliate if being punished, and that this reduces the level of cooperation. Building on existing
models on the evolution of cooperation and altruistic punishment, we explore the consequences of the
option of retaliation. We find that cooperation and altruistic punishment does not evolve with larger
population levels if the option of retaliation is included.
This is interesting. My guess is that it is not only group size that relates to the use of altruistic punishment, but also group cohesiveness, and whether or not the bad behavior jeopardizes some shared facet of that group.
If that were the case, then you might be able to extend the effect of altruistic punishment by raising awareness of some commonalities in the group. Hey and an open Elsevier article!
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JakobVirgil · 4470 days ago · link ·
I may be wrong but the model being used is quite primitive I think they just play a common good game and punish those who free ride some of which retailiate. I think that there must be some other reason that humans cooperate other that fear of a cop.
My pet theory is faulty kinship recognition.