Parasyte: Altruism vs. Selfish Gene Theory Lecture, Explained
A lecturer from Southeast University puts out the hypothesis that generosity is paradoxically founded in selfishness during a lecture featured in Parasyte: The Maxim.
One of the most thought-provoking shonen anime out there is The Maxim, a series with numerous facets and underlying concepts. The show often depicts paradoxes in human nature and prompts viewers to reflect as a psychological nightmare with existential implications. In other words, the ideas explored throughout the series seek to make viewers reevaluate accepted beliefs about society, human nature, and even the symbiotic links that exist in nature.
Reiko Tamura, formerly known as Ryouko Tamiya, Shinichi Izumi’s old high school teacher and the series’ main antagonist, is the subject of Episode 14, “The Selfish Gene.” Reiko hears a lecturer from Southeast University speak on the debatable justification for benevolence, which is shown by all organisms. He continues by asking if the drive for collective survival or the selfish gene hypothesis, a more gene-centered explanation of evolution, is the cause of one’s innate need to sacrifice oneself.
A Professor’s Take on the Irony of Altruism
The lecturer introduces the contrast between human altruism, which he defines as “activity performed for the benefit of others,” and a person’s self-interest in the first few sentences. He points out that genuine acts of altruism are selfless and usually benefit others while being detrimental to the performer. He notes that although it is typical to witness this unselfish conduct in people, it has also been seen in a number of animal species. He uses honeybees as a major illustration for their self-sacrificing behaviour while defending their colony from predators.
The professor questions the notion that this instinctive conduct works to promote the wellbeing of others, knowing that all living creatures have the ability to be altruistic. He believes that the two characteristics may not be mutually exclusive, despite the widespread belief that selflessness and the maintenance of the species are two sides of the same evolutionary coin. For instance, certain human and animal behaviours, such as infanticide, would not be beneficial to the survival of the species. The author then asks, “Why murder members of one’s own species?”
The lecturer offers selfish gene theory, an approach built on the notion that “all creatures are influenced by their own body’s DNA,” in an effort to provide light on the discrepancies between biological altruism and the negative aspects of reproductive strategy. The professor’s theory, which is also known as the gene-centered perspective of evolution, a gene’s eye view, or gene selection theory, describes how adaptive evolution happens as a result of the differential survival of competing genes. Simply said, organisms are created genetically to prioritise the self and the children who will inherit their DNA above the species as a whole.
Is Loving Others an Act of Selflessness or Selfishness?
According to the professor, comprehending family love, marital love, and even parental love may be based on the hypothesis that altruistic conduct is really a cunning plan hatched by selfish genes to increase their chances in natural selection. He asserts with confidence that love and compassion aren’t genuine since, according to the theory that altruism is ultimately the product of genic self-interest, the biological basis for their existence seems to crumble.
The reciprocal altruism hypothesis, which contends that kindness results from one’s desire to get future rewards in return, also supports the assumption that loving and caring acts are only performed to help in propagating one’s own DNA. Altruism is only postponed self-interest in this sense. Instead of motivating objectives, biological altruism is defined in terms of fitness consequences. If “genuine” altruism is defined as selflessness carried out with the intention of aiding others, then the majority of living beings are incapable of both it and “genuine” selfishness.
Before concluding his topic and drawing an end to his presentation, the lecturer doesn’t forget to bring out the shortcomings of the selfish gene hypothesis. He cites multiple instances of animals protecting individuals of various species and offering assistance to people with different DNA strains. The professor’s two last queries query whether the theory could ever properly capture the richness or depth of human awareness and what effects the theory’s acceptance would have on attempts to conserve human beings.
The Many Parallels Between Parasyte and the Real World
The hypothesis is from the actual world, even if the conversation takes place in the Parasyte universe, a fictitious setting. It first appeared in 1966, and British evolutionary scientist Richard Dawkins popularised it in 1976 with the release of his book. The 14th episode of Parasyte, “The Selfish Gene,” has the same title as this book.
The presence of a reference to actual scientific theory will not come as a surprise to longtime anime viewers. The show skillfully mixes real-world ideas and philosophical issues that challenge the audience’s perception of reality, whether via speech or the dynamics of the relationships between the characters. The plot of Parasyte: The Maxim captivates and attracts viewers, inspiring them to think about life and develop a fresh respect for the natural world.
Parasyte: Altruism vs. Selfish Gene Theory Lecture, Explained
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