Social Expertise and the Evolution of Intellect in Monkeys, Apes and Humans (Bk. 1) (Machiavellian Intelligence) - Tapa dura

According to conventional wisdom, our unique human intellect results from evolutionary pressures for skilled tool use and for communication to enhance co-operation. This book explores the theory that the driving force behind the human intellect was social expertise, allowing subtle manipulation of others within the social group, who themselves are seen as posing the most challenging problems faced by our ancestors. The need to outwit clever colleagues then produces an evolutionary spiralling of "Machiavellian intelligence". The origin of the theory is expanded and there are applications in anthropology, psychology and zoology. Included also is an evaluation of more traditional ideas and to what extent Machiavellian intelligence is complementary or alternative to them.