If evolutionary biologists are coming to the conclusion (which they seem to be) that altruistic groups (by which I think they often mean groups with members motivated principally by positive and negative reciprocity) are more successful
than groups dominated by self-interest, might efforts to promote competition in areas where a unified group identity (such as a health care system, or an education system, or perhaps any public system and many unified private systems) be a fundamental mistake
in the long term? Humans have different motivations that have probably evolved to fit particular circumstances (in-group behaviour versus between-group behaviour etc.). If you want to foster long term cohesion and efficiency within a group, appealing to competition
is perhaps not the wisest course of action.
Best,
Adam
Adam Oliver
1969ajo