Some researchers hold mentalizing evolved for manipulation, not cooperation

Evidence

Though they agree mentalizing is important, many evolutionary researchers argue that these cognitive abilities evolved genetically in our lineage so we can better trick, manipulate, and deceive other members of our group—this is part of the Machiavellian intelligence hypothesis. The idea is that if Robin can infer Mike’s goals, motivations, or beliefs, then Robin can exploit or manipulate Mike. He can outthink him and then outmaneuver him. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 190

Categorization

• XREF: Contrasts the cooperative-learning framing of mentalizing against the Machiavellian hypothesis; relevant to whether conformity/mindreading capacities serve exploitation or honest transmission. — connects to: Mentalizing may have evolved for cultural learning rather than for social manipulation — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 191

Broader Connections

• Mentalizing may have evolved for cultural learning rather than for social manipulation #responds-to (0.90) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 191